Saudi Club Al-Qadsiah Close to Appointing Brendan Rodgers After Celtic Exit

Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah are close to appointing former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers as their new head coach.

The 52-year-old Northern Irishman is travelling to Al-Khobar in Saudi to finalise an agreement after indicating he wishes to accept the role.

Rodgers has been out of work since resigning from Celtic in October, a move that took the Scottish club by surprise.

Rodgers to Work Under Former Rangers CEO

He will now work under former Rangers CEO James Bisgrove, who has played a key role in the recruitment process.

Rodgers is set to replace Michel Gonzalez, who was sacked on Sunday with Qadsiah fifth in the Saudi Pro League.

The decision was taken by ambitious owners Aramco and is viewed as a strategic one rather than solely a football decision.

It follows back-to-back defeats to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and King Cup of Champions quarter-finals.

Rodgers’ experience and style of play made him the standout candidate in what proved to be an intense and quick process.

GMS understands Rodgers learned of Saudi interest in him before he left Celtic, but the formal approach from Qadsiah didn’t come until he was a free agent.

Salah a Player of Interest for Al-Qadsiah and Rodgers

Qadsiah, who move into a new stadium next year, were keen to make an appointment before the January window opens.

They are in the market for an attacker this winter with Mo Salah a player of interest if he becomes genuinely available.

Qadsiah have not yet made any approach to Salah or Liverpool, but are monitoring the situation in case a market opportunity presents itself.

They already have Italian striker Mateo Retegui and have filled their eight any-age foreign player quote.

Like several other Saudi clubs looking to do business in January, exits would be required. However, Rodgers is expected to be backed heavily in the market in 2026.

Qadsiah are not reliant on central funding allowing Aramco to be in full control of spending. Qadsiah is the only football they own and there are plans to challenge the four PIF-owned clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and defending champions Al-Ittihad.