Saturday was a big day for Celtic in their bid to win the Premiership title, with manager Martin O’Neill overseeing a 3-1 come-from-behind victory at Parkhead to close the gap at the top of the league to just two points.
Momentum then started to shift somewhat with Hearts suffering a shock defeat away at Rugby Park, with the Hoops also managing to end rumors of a surprise Motherwell title win in the process.
Looking at the bigger picture, was it a meeting between the current Celtic manager and a potential successor? Rumors are still circulating that manager Jens Berthel Askou is the frontrunner to replace O’Neill this summer after an excellent season at Fir Park.
The Danish manager is certainly not the only candidate, with Robbie Keane also included, but while his achievements in 2025/26 cannot be ignored, he himself appears to be keen on a move.
Latest information on Jens Askou’s potential move to Celtic
If Saturday’s game was anything like an audition, Askou may be dissatisfied with the final outcome, even though his team was ultimately eliminated following Emmanuel Longello’s late red card.
Either way, the 47-year-old’s managerial record remains remarkable, with The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell just recently hailing Motherwell as “the most tactically interesting team in England”.
Indeed, since joining from IFK Gothenburg last summer, Askou has developed one of the best defenses in the division, conceding just 23 goals, while developing an attractive and progressive style of play.
Unsurprisingly, a move to Parkhead has been the subject of much discussion in recent weeks and months, with O’Neill, who has come in at relief twice this season, expected to leave the club permanently at the end of the season.
Speaking on Monday’s Record Celtic podcast, Askou is thought to be “very keen” on a move after a solitary season at Fir Park, according to journalist Michael Gannon.
“From what I hear, he (Askou) is very keen to do his job at Celtic. I know some people say he’s thinking further afield and stuff, but from what I’ve heard from people around his orbit, he used to jog along the M74 to Parkhead.
I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. I think he’ll do it right away. ”
If Askou is to be that guy, he’ll need to receive plenty of support this summer, and one potential signing certainly stands out from the rest.
Celtic could land dream Kvankala upgrade with first signing of Askou
Chaotic hasn’t even brought it up when discussing Celtic’s season so far, but even after the surprise resignation of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy’s 33-day disaster, O’Neill has led the Hoops firmly into title contention and with a chance of winning the Scottish Cup in sight.
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Hoopes is planning life after O’Neal.
The 74-year-old has overseen something of a resurgence, despite being “blessed” with a flawed, bloated and injury-hit Glasgow squad that still does not include an established or prolific centre-forward.
Junior Adam, who joined in January, is already out in the cold, as is free agent signing Kelechi Iheanacho, and Tomas Kvankala has been the only one to show any real signs of life in recent weeks and months.
The Czech striker scored from the penalty spot in the last game, his second since joining on loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach, and the jury is out on whether Celtic should invest the £7m required to sign him on a permanent basis this summer.
Instead, Celtic should look to Motherwell manager Tawanda Maswanhise as something of an upgrade, especially if Askou is in charge, with the Zimbabwean enjoying a real breakthrough and outstanding season in 2025/26.
Signed from Leicester City in 2024, Maswanhise has had a solid first season after making just his only appearance in the top flight, and this time around he has been dazzling, topping the division with 16 goals so far.
As Askou later revealed, this form sparked “very strong interest” in his signature over the winter, but the Premiership’s in-form side held firm, making a summer departure the more likely prospect.
Celtic Striker* – 25/26 SPFL | ||
|---|---|---|
player | game | the goal |
kenny | 15 | 4 |
Iheanacho | 5 | 2 |
Kvankara | 7 | 2 |
Adam | 3 | 0 |
Osmund | 1 | 0 |
Yamada | 8 | 0 |
total | 39 | 8 |
*Maswan Hise | 27 | 16 |
Reports last month outlined that the 23-year-old, reportedly worth £5m, could be allowed to leave before next term, saying he is “ready to listen to offers”.
Maswanhise, who described Askou as “similar” to former Leicester manager Rodgers, has already developed under the Scandinavian manager and could well replicate that form if he follows his manager to Glasgow.
Kvankala, also known as ‘Big Tam’, has his strengths, but having scored just 12 goals in all competitions since the start of the 2023/24 season, it remains to be seen whether he is the solution as Celtic’s leading striker.
The Hoops could find the perfect upgrade in Maswanhise, who has scored 21 goals this season alone, and such a deal would certainly be an ideal pick if Askou takes charge this summer.
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