Celtic have been linked with Robbie Keane as a potential candidate for the permanent managerial role at Parkhead this summer, and his possible appointment could have significant implications for several members of the current squad.
Three players in particular face an uncertain future if Keane takes charge, with Daizen Maeda, Anthony Ralston and Michel-Ange Balikwisha all potentially moving on as Celtic look to begin a new era.
Maeda’s situation has been complicated since last September, when he confirmed in a candid interview that he had agreed personal terms to leave the club, only for Celtic to block the move at the last moment. His performances this season have been a shadow of the form that earned him the individual awards the previous campaign, and his influence on games has visibly declined. A summer exit looks likely to suit all parties, and a new manager may find it the natural moment to draw a line under his time at the club.
Ralston is a popular figure at Parkhead but finds himself well down the pecking order at right-back. Alistair Johnston is firmly established as the first choice, while young prospect Colby Donovan has also pushed ahead of him in the queue. Julian Araujo’s impressive loan spell has only added to the sense that Ralston’s future lies away from Celtic. He has done enough to earn another Scotland call-up and appears set to feature at the World Cup, but regular first-team football at Celtic Park no longer looks realistic.
Balikwisha has been a significant disappointment since arriving from Royal Antwerp for £5 million last summer. He has failed to score in 19 appearances and has been frozen out by multiple managers throughout the season. Keane’s system at Ferencvaros demands relentless intensity and high productivity from wide players, a standard Balikwisha has consistently fallen short of since joining. His departure would free up funds to invest in players better suited to the style of play Keane would likely implement.