Former Celtic player Efraín Juárez was recently linked with a coaching role at the club, but has now made his next move official.
The Mexican spent two years at Celtic after arriving from UNAM Pumas in 2010. While his time in Glasgow never truly got going, he still made 20 appearances before leaving permanently for CF América in 2012.
Since hanging up his boots in 2020, Juárez has quietly built an impressive coaching CV.
Assistant roles at New York City FC, Standard Liège and Club Brugge provided a grounding in different football cultures before he stepped into management with Atlético Nacional. His spell in Colombia lasted only five months, but it delivered both league and cup success.
That work earned him a return to UNAM Pumas as manager in March 2025, and his next challenge has now arrived in Hungary.
Sports outlet ABC Deportes MX shared footage of Juárez’s unveiling at Hungarian champions Győri as his appointment was confirmed.
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The only link to make now is that he’s raising a green and white scarf in the air, just not a Celtic one!
It is another notable step forward in the 38-year-old’s coaching career and closes the door on any prospect of him joining Celtic’s backroom staff this summer.
The link itself was an intriguing one.
Celtic scout Mark Cooper was viewed as a possible connection given his extensive knowledge of South American football and strong links within the MLS market. Juárez’s coaching journey has crossed similar pathways in recent years, making the rumours far from impossible.
Instead, Celtic’s focus now remains on resolving the shape of O’Neill’s coaching team ahead of the new campaign.
First-team coach Gavin Strachan has held discussions with West Bromwich Albion. Should he move on, it would bring an end to six years at Celtic, where his contribution behind the scenes has been widely respected.
There has been little movement elsewhere.
Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham played key roles as O’Neill guided Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season, yet discussions over their futures remain unresolved.
With O’Neill preparing for another campaign and the summer transfer window now open, clarity will be required sooner rather than later.
Recruitment plans, pre-season preparations and the wider structure around the first team all become easier when the coaching picture is settled.
Juárez’s next destination is now known. Celtic, meanwhile, still have important decisions to make closer to home.
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