CELTIC have drawn up a longlist of potential managerial targets – with former midfielder Efrain Juarez put forward as a shock dark-horse contender for the job.
SunSport can reveal Hoops chiefs have identified around EIGHT bosses who could potentially replace Brendan Rodgers.
And it’s emerged that former Mexico World Cup star Juarez is one of the names suggested to the board.
The 37-year-old is currently boss of UNAM Pumas in his homeland having previously won the league and cup double with Colombian giants Atletico Nacional.
And it’s believed he’s been recommended to Hoops chiefs who are setting up initial Zoom call interviews for the coming days.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna has been strongly linked with the job, as we first revealed, with Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen and Columbus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy also in the running.
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Robbie Keane, now boss of Ferencvaros in Hungary, is also understood to be interested in a return to the club he played for.
Celts chiefs are eager to weigh up alternative names before they make any firm decision.
Juarez – who made just 21 appearances as a young player at Celtic between 2010 and 2012 – would be seen as a hugely risky appointment.
But he’s got strong links with the club having been assistant manager to ex-Hoops boss Ronny Deila at New York City FC, Standard Liege and Club Brugge, where they won the Belgian title.
That saw him take his first managerial job on his own with Atletico Nacional in Colombia, with Juarez leading the team to a domestic double.
He counted former Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos as one of his players during his time with the club.
He became boss of Pumas in March this year and has earned rave reviews for the work he’s done so far in turning around the struggling team, despite fan unrest at the club.
Juarez – who speaks FIVE languages – revealed in an interview with SunSport last year that he’d love to become Celts boss one day.
He said: “For me, it will be a dream – and I am a dreamer!”
Martin O’Neill remains as caretaker boss for tomorrow’s Europa League clash with Midtjylland, with Celts facing Kilmarnock in the league on Sunday.
Former Celtic striker Craig Bellamy, meanwhile, has ruled himself OUT of the running.
He says he’s fully focussed on his job as Wales boss and says the Hoops job hasn’t even entered his radar.
Bellamy said: “I’m completely focused on what’s set to come. It’s going to be a playoff in March.
Efrain Juarez’s career
Born in Mexico City on February 22, 1988
Was in youth system of UNAM Pumas before joining Spanish giants Barcelona in 2006
Returned to Mexico in 2008 and played for Pumas Morelos and UNAM Pumas
Joined Celtic in £2million deal in July 2010
Made just 13 league appearances during disappointing playing spell at Parkhead
Joined Real Zaragoza on loan in 2011 before sealing permanent switch back to Mexico with America in 2012
Played for Monterrey, Vancouver Whitecaps and Valerenga before retiring in 2019
Capped 39 times for Mexico and played at the World Cup in 2010
Worked alongside ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila at New York City FC, Standard Liege and Club Brugge
Landed first managerial gig in Colombia in 2024 with Atletico Nacional where he was boss of ex-Rangers star Alfredo Morelos
Won league and cup double with club before resigning in January this year due to a dispute with the board
Became UNAM Pumas manager in March this year
“And for me, that’s all I’m focused on. It’s cliched but it’s the honest truth.
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“I enjoy speaking to you, I enjoy this. I couldn’t want anything else at this present moment.
“It isn’t on my radar and it won’t be on my radar.”
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