Efraín Juárez has emerged as a surprise target to become Brendan Rodgers’ successor at Celtic Park.
On October 27th, Rodgers stepped down from his role at Celtic. Martin O’Neill has been appointed as interim manager while the search for the permanent replacement is ongoing.
On Wednesday, the UK press reported Juárez, who is currently managing Pumas, is on Celtic’s shortlist. AS Mexico relay that and then provide their own updates on Celtic’s interest in the 37-year-old.
He worked as Ronny Deila’s assistant at New York City FC, Standard Liège, and Club Brugge before becoming Atlético Nacional’s manager in August 2024. Back in February, the Mexican club appoint Juárez as their manager.
Celtic may be attracted by attacking style
Juárez has caught the attention of international clubs because of his attacking style and focusing on developing young players. AS say these are the factors that are considered key for Celtic’s project.
It’s claimed the Scottish champions have held talks with their former player this week. It was a preliminary approach, probably to find out his situation and the conditions needed to appoint him.
AS’ title reads: ‘Efraín Juárez is being courted by Celtic and could leave Pumas’. Whether he’ll return to Celtic, this time as a manager, remains to be seen.
Record Mexico report Efraín Juárez’s situation at Pumas is delicate, and there’s even the possibility he could be shown the door after a run of poor results. On the other side of the coin, the manager walking away himself is presented as another possibility.
