Former Celtic duo Efrain Juarez and Ronny Deila to link up

By Connor Gordon

February 21, 2019

Former Celtic men Efrain Juarez and Ronny Deila will join forces with Norwegian side Valarenga.

The former is the club’s current manager and has confirmed the full-back will join before the start of the league season.

Fans in Glasgow know the ex-Mexican international for a bright start to the season under Neil Lennon as a midfielder.

Juarez and Deila will strive together

Both player and manager didn’t have the most positive experiences in Scotland with Celtic.

Efrain Juarez is free after leaving Vancouver Whitecaps (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The 30-year-old centre-mid turned full-back is joining the Eliteserien from MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

The deal isn’t officially over the line just yet but both men are certain it will happen.

Norwegian publication Nettvisen reports Juarez said: “We started negotiating last week and everything is almost agreed.

“I can’t wait to sign and it should be done as soon as possible.

Mexican coming up against Lionel Messi with Real Zaragoza. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)

“I am looking forward to returning to European football.”

Juarez will be looking to the the team who finished sixth last season as a gateway back to Europe.

Deila is a fan of former Celtic flop

The ex-Hoops gaffer appears to be a fan of the journeyman Mexican as he is looking to push higher up the table.

Juarez has plenty of experience in his home country as well as in Europe with Celtic and Real Zaragoza.

The full-back has played European football for The Bhoys, notably against Braga and Utrecht.

Former midfielder playing at Parkhead against Utrecht in Europa League. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

He parted ways with Vancouver Whitecaps officially on February 1st.

However, Deila and Valarenga have time on their hands with the league to commence March 30th.

Deila said: “This is a real coup for us to attract a Mexican international defender to come to our club.

“It’s clear Efrain is a very accomplished full back and will be a great addition to the squad if we can get it over the line.”

Both men could have made an even greater impact in Glasgow with better luck and backing.

Unfortunately football is not always positive. However, the two men have clear bounce-back-ability and the fans will wish them all the best.