Nicky Hayen is a familiar name to most Celtic fans.
The Belgian boss was in charge of Club Brugge when they came to Celtic Park in last season’s Champions League, and went on to guide them to the round of 16.
This season, his side obliterated Russell Martin’s Rangers in the play-off, as many Hoops fans watched on in envy.
However, Hayen left Brugge in acrimonious circumstances a fortnight ago, having refused to rule out a move to Celtic during their hunt for a permanent manager.
But with Wilfried Nancy firmly in the door now, Hayen has found a new club.
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Nicky Hayen finds new club after Celtic links
Hayen was a man in demand after his departure, having competed against the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund during his time at Brugge.
Despite this, he has made the decision to remain in Belgium with his new role.
Hayen has been confirmed as the new manager of KRC Genk, making a rapid return to the Belgian Pro League.
Genk dismissed Thorsten Fink last week after going winless in four. Their main striker is none other than ex-Celtic man Hyeon-gyu Oh.
Oh scored at Ibrox in the Europa League earlier this season, and came agonisingly close to a big-money move to the Bundesliga in the summer, failing his medical at Stuttgart.
Ironically, Hayen’s first match will be against Club Brugge on Boxing Day. Genk sit 13 points behind Brugge in the league.
Brugge’s search for a new manager goes on, after Hayen departed in eerily similar circumstances to how Brendan Rodgers left Celtic in October.
But if he was frustrated with their approach to squad building, he probably could’ve done without being Celtic manager.
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Nicky Hayen’s comments on the Celtic job
Speaking to Sporza while still in the Brugge hotseat, Hayen refused to close the door on a Celtic move, during the club’s managerial search that led them to Nancy.
He said: “I’ve said before that I know I’m on lists, although I don’t know which ones.
“As long as nothing is concrete, I don’t need to know about it. I’m happy here and I want to work hard to win the 20th national title. That’s still my goal.
“Never say never in football, but I’m happy here. As long as you have mutual trust between the club and me, there’s nothing wrong.”
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