Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 10 April 2026 18:30, UK

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Celtic remain on the hunt for their manager for the 2026-27 campaign, and Nicky Hayen is now seen as a potential outsider.

The 45-year-old has already had a massive managerial career and is currently in charge of Belgian side Racing Genk.

Much of his career has been based in Belgium, with the former defender having mixed success in the Lowland Country.

However, he is now being tipped as an outsider to take over at Celtic at 40/1, with Oddschecker on 10 April confirming that these odds have been slashed.

As a result, it seems increasingly likely that Hayen may be added to Celtic’s managerial shortlist as the summer edges closer.

Who is Nicky Hayen?

Hayen has had a long managerial career despite only being 45 years old.

First stepping into the dugout in 2013 at FCV Dender, he has had 11 manager roles so far.

All but one of these have come in Belgium, with Hayen having a brief spell at Welsh side Haverfordwest County between 2021 and 2022.

However, in recent years, his CV has grown increasingly impressive.

At Club Brugge, he won three trophies, including the Belgian Pro League in 2024.

While his time at Genk has not been perfect, he still boasts a 55.56 per cent win rate since taking over in December 2025.

However, it remains to be seen if he would be willing to leave the club so quickly after joining.

Who is the current favourite for the Celtic job?

Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Robbie Keane could be brought in by Celtic to help win some of the fanbase back.

As it stands, the former Hoops star is the bookies’ favourite to take over at 13/8 odds.

Following the former Republic of Ireland international is Jens Berthel Askou at 3/1 as he continues to impress at Motherwell.

Craig Bellamy and Roberto Martinez remain in the mix at 7/1 and 8/1 as they continue to manage Portugal and Wales.

Martin O’Neill is yet to be ruled out, with Celtic’s current caretaker manager at 12/1 odds to take the job permanently.

However, it remains to be seen who the Hoops will look to bring in during the summer ahead of a crucial period in the club’s history.