Chelsea vs Brighton Premier League Enzo Maresca Manager of Chelsea during the Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League match at Stamford Bridge London. London Stamford Bridge UK Copyright: xMartinxDaltonx Chelsea_vs_Brighton_270925_MD_042
Celtic have reportedly offered former Mexican international Efrain Juarez a sensational return to Parkhead as part of Martin O’Neill’s backroom team for the 2026/27 season.
Mexican outlet Juanfutbol claims the club wants Juarez to join as assistant manager, with sources in North America suggesting he could succeed O’Neill in the top job as early as 2027.
Juarez is no stranger to Celtic Park, having made 21 appearances for the club during an unsuccessful playing spell in the 2010/11 season before being sold.
The 38-year-old has since built a credible coaching career, serving as number two to former Celtic boss Ronny Deila at New York City, Standard Liege, and Club Brugge.
Juarez then stepped out on his own as a manager, leading Atletico Nacional to a league and cup double in Colombia in 2023 with a squad that included Rangers hero Alfredo Morelos.
He subsequently moved back to Mexico to take charge of Pumas before stepping down from that role last week, leaving him available for a new opportunity.
According to the Mexican outlet, Juarez sat down with Celtic chiefs over a video call and has now been formally offered the assistant manager position ahead of the new season.
O’Neill was confirmed as permanent Celtic manager for 2026/27 after salvaging the previous campaign by delivering a Premiership and Scottish Cup double, a remarkable turnaround at Parkhead.
Trusted lieutenants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham both worked alongside O’Neill during his two interim stints last season, though confirmation of their returns has reportedly been delayed by wage negotiations.
O’Neill, 74, spoke warmly about both coaches after his return was confirmed, noting the unique circumstances of his unlikely comeback to management at Celtic Park.
He said: “Coming back after 20-odd years, whatever the case may be, I never thought this would ever happen.”
He added: “Totally and utterly surreal. And to be back in the dugout at Celtic Park after all those years. To see Shaun and Mark Fotheringham, two lads that I coached.”
Juarez had previously been linked with the top job at Celtic last year, making the latest reports all the more credible given his existing relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
If the deal is confirmed, it would represent one of the more unexpected managerial succession plans seen in Scottish football in recent memory.
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