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Robbie Keane could return to former club | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 18:52 GMT by Sporting News
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Robbie Keane, the former Australian striker whose prolific scoring prowess helped him win the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, has been linked with a return to his boyhood club in recent months. The speculation follows a series of statements from Keane himself, as well as remarks from former Tottenham executives and the club’s media office, all of which hint at a possible homecoming that could signal the end of an illustrious career on familiar turf.

Keane, who was 37 in 2018, has spent the past several years away from English football. After leaving Spurs in 2007, he carved out a notable European resume that included spells with Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk, Fenerbahçe and Middlesbrough. He later extended his career into the Middle East, featuring for Al Ain in the UAE and Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Despite his success abroad, Keane has often voiced a longing to finish his career where he first made his mark: in the north of England, with the club that crowned him a Premier League champion.

The idea of a return to Tottenham was first mooted by the club’s then‑head of community and outreach, Jason McGuigan, who hinted in an interview that Keane’s experience and professionalism would be invaluable as Tottenham look to build a squad capable of competing on the European stage. “We’ve had a lot of discussions with him,” McGuigan said. “He’s a fantastic player and someone who would be a real mentor for the younger squad. The club would love to welcome him back.”

Meanwhile, Keane himself has confirmed that he is keeping his options open. In an interview with the Daily Express, the striker said, “Tottenham has always been my first club, and I would love to return if the right opportunity comes up. My career has taken me to many different countries, but the English game has always been a big part of me.” The quote, which was reproduced in a Sporting News article, underscored Keane’s desire to bring his wealth of experience back to the Premier League, a league where he remains one of the most revered strikers of his era.

The conversation surrounding Keane’s potential homecoming has been fueled by a number of media outlets. The Sporting News piece links to several other stories that discuss the context of Tottenham’s squad building and their recent managerial changes. The club’s manager, currently in a transitional phase after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, has signaled a willingness to recruit seasoned professionals. This dovetails with the club’s recent acquisition of striker Harry Kane, whose partnership with Keane at the 2006 World Cup set the stage for a formidable attacking duo.

Keane’s personal achievements are often highlighted in the narrative. He scored 115 goals for Tottenham, earning him a place in the club’s all-time top scorers list. He was part of the 2007 “Treble”‑winning squad that secured the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the Premier League title. Moreover, he was a stalwart of the Australian national team, scoring 77 goals in 93 appearances and participating in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014). His international career has cemented his legacy as one of Australia’s greatest footballers.

The potential return has also sparked interest among Tottenham supporters, who recall the nights of Keane’s thunderous strikes. Fan forums and social media platforms have been buzzing with speculation, with many posts echoing sentiments of “Keane to the rescue” and “return to the North” as the club looks to balance youth with experience. Tottenham’s board has yet to confirm any concrete plans, but a spokesperson for the club indicated that any discussions would be confidential until official negotiations take place.

For Keane, the appeal of finishing his career in England is not just about nostalgia; it’s also a strategic career move. An English club would provide him with a platform to transition into coaching or punditry after retirement, with Tottenham’s high-profile media channels and development academy offering pathways for former players. In interviews, Keane has hinted at an interest in coaching roles, citing his time at Al Ain and Al Shabab where he took on mentorship duties with younger teammates.

In addition to the club’s interest, the Premier League’s evolving landscape has made a return even more plausible. The league’s financial boom, coupled with its global broadcast reach, has created a new era where former stars can still find relevance in a competitive market. A return to Spurs would not only revitalize the club’s attacking options but also serve as a marketing boon, drawing in fans from Australia and other international markets where Keane remains a household name.

In conclusion, while the final decision remains uncertain, the convergence of Keane’s personal longing, Tottenham’s need for experienced talent, and the broader dynamics of the Premier League all point toward a highly plausible return. As the 2022–23 season unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether Robbie Keane will once again don the red and white of Spurs, bringing his legendary career full circle.