Club Brugge Boss Nicky Hayen Reported Celtic Manager Candidate Amid Contract Talks

Nicky Hayen, the current manager of Club Brugge, has emerged as a strong candidate to succeed Brendan Rodgers as Celtic's manager, with reports indicating "concrete interest" from the Scottish club. Hayen, who recently signed a lucrative long-term contract with Club Brugge, has refused to rule out a move, stating he is happy at Brugge but acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football. His successful tenure includes multiple domestic titles and a remarkable 9-1 aggregate victory over Rangers in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, which has increased his profile among Celtic decision-makers. Despite this interest, any move would require Celtic to pay a substantial compensation fee due to Hayen's recent contract extension. Hayen has emphasized mutual trust with his current club and remains focused on winning his 20th national title, though he remains open to future possibilities. The search for Brendan Rodgers' permanent successor continues, with other candidates also in consideration alongside Hayen.