Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a sensational return for former Premier League veteran forward Robbie Keane. According to a recent report in the English press, the Championship leaders Wolves are planning to make a move for the Indian Super League striker to join their promotion party. The Republic of Ireland goal-scorer is currently plying his trade in the Indian Super League for its Kolkata based champions, ATK.
The 37-year-old is under contract until the end of the Indian season in March but some sources are claiming that he can be set for an early release which paves the way for his emotional return to the Molineux. Keane made his professional debut at the age of 17 for Wolverhampton Wanderers way back in 1997 so a return ‘home’ might suit all parties and looks to be a real possibility.
It is understood that Wolves wanted a move to materialize for Robbie Keane in the summer following his departure from the Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy at the end of the 2016 season, but he had already put pen to paper on a deal with ATK.
However, Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo has kept a close eye on his progress at his new club. Keane fell victim to an Achilles injury which prevented him from making his debut for ATK until December.
The 37-year-old striker scored 29 goals in 87 games for Wolves, before making a move to Coventry City for £6m in 1999.
Keane is now back in action and has returned to full fitness which has seen him score once in three games for the Indian Super League champions this season, under their boss and Keane’s former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate, Teddy Sheringham. The Wolves manager Nuno reckons that his experience can aid Wolves in their quest to wrap up the Championship this season and earn an automatic promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2012.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored 125 goals in 349 Premier League appearances which included spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. So it’s easy to see him play a sporadic role for Wolves if they manage to secure promotion to the top tier of English football next season. His wealth of experience in English football might be a big asset for the Molineux based club going into the future.
It remains to be seen whether the Wolves are successful in their attempts to convince the veteran striker to join their cause and make a fairy-tale return ‘home’ in the near future.
