Efrain Juarez has signed a pre-contract to manage in Belgium, it is being reported.
The Pumas UNAM boss — known best in Scotland for his spell at Celtic in which he made 21 appearances — is now one of the most talked-about coaches in Mexico.
Eyebrows were raised when Juarez was named as a left-field contender for the Celtic job last winter, before the club eventually opted for Wilfried Nancy.
His stock has since enjoyed a notable rise, as he is now on the brink of making history in his home country.
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Efrain Juarez, Celtic-linked manager on the brink of Mexican title, has a Belgian agreement
According to Carlos Ponce de León of Mexican outlet RECORD, Juarez has a pre-contract agreement to take over a club in Belgium.
The club is unnamed, though judging from current managerial vacancies, it could be either of Anderlecht or Royal Antwerp, two of the nation’s biggest clubs.
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Juarez has worked in Belgium before, coincidentally working as an assistant to ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila at Standard Liege and Club Brugge.
A few months after being sacked from the latter, he was named manager of Colombian giants Atletico Nacional, where he wasn’t well-received by supporters.
After becoming just the third manager in history to deliver the Colombian league and cup double, he firmly silenced the doubters. He then accepted an offer to manage Mexican outfit Pumas; his boyhood club.
He failed to deliver in his first six months in the job, putting him under pressure — however, now 18 months in, he is on the brink of becoming one of the youngest-ever winning managers of the Liga MX Apertura.
Mexico operates an American-style league table and play-off system, where the winner is decided by a knockout tournament. Juarez’s side finished top of the regular season, earning the title of “Super Leaders”.
They are now also in the play-off final. After a goalless first leg away at Cruz Azul, his side will host the second leg on Monday, where they could complete the double.
His style of football is described as “intense and aggressive” by Mexican outlets, characterised by high pressing and rapid transitions. Despite finishing top of the Apertura table, they ranked ninth for possession.
Efrain Juarez on Celtic links
Speaking to the Mexican media in November, Juarez said that there was interest in his services from Celtic.
“Obviously, there has been interest from other clubs. In every sense, that, for me, is not distracting.
“I think we know perfectly well that the club is aware of the situation, because I also played there (at Celtic). And it’s not easy for a young Mexican coach to be involved in that type of club.
“For me, they obviously see and think that maybe we’re doing a good job. In that respect, I’m calm.”
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