Willie Kirk is reportedly nearing a return to professional football, with advanced talks underway to make him the head coach of Linköping FC, a top-flight women's team in Sweden. This potential appointment comes after Kirk's sacking from Leicester City in March 2024, due to a relationship with one of the club's players.

Kirk, who has also managed Hibernian and Everton, and served as an assistant manager for Manchester United, acknowledged his mistake in an interview with the Daily Mail last year, stating he had been punished and took responsibility.

According to reports, Linköping is planning to dismiss their current coach, Jonne Kunnas, to make way for Kirk. Linköping, despite currently sitting 13th and in the relegation zone, has a history of success, having won the Damallsvenskan title in 2009, 2016, and 2017.

Kirk's managerial experience includes winning the Scottish Cup with Hibernian and leading Everton to the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley in 2020. He also oversaw Bristol City's promotion to the top flight in 2016.

The news of Kirk's potential return has sparked debate, considering the circumstances of his departure from Leicester City. Following an internal investigation, Leicester terminated Kirk's contract after determining that he had engaged in a relationship with a player, a decision that ignited discussions about the appropriateness of coach-player relationships.

In an interview following his dismissal, Kirk expressed frustration over not being able to share his side of the story, noting that he felt he had jeopardized the environment at Leicester City. He emphasized that the relationship was consensual and not an abuse of power, but acknowledged that he had made a mistake.

Despite the controversy, Kirk has expressed a desire to remain in the women's game. His potential appointment at Linköping could offer him a chance to rebuild his career and contribute to a team with a strong history in Swedish women's football.

Linköping HC is also seeing other changes. Linus Hultström has an out clause in his contract with Linköping HC, and although he has not yet notified the team of his departure, Linköping is looking for a potential replacement, supposedly Bobby Nardella. Defender Theodor Lennström has agreed to a three-year contract with Linköping HC, expressing excitement about the direction of the team. Recent transactions for Linköping HC include Henrik Törnqvist leaving for Iserlohn Roosters and Jakub Vrána joining from Nashville Predators.