Out of all the Scottish January transfer sagas, Andrew Gutman’s was the strangest.
The former Indiana Hoosiers left-back joined Rangers on trial along with fellow American Matt Polster. By the end of the month, the 22-year-old had wound up signing with rivals Celtic.
Now, he’s been telling American press that there was interest in him from both clubs. But with his eye on European football, he joined our rivals.
“I went on trial also with Rangers and both clubs were interested in me,” Gutman told American Soccer Now. “Celtic is just a fantastic club and it has such a history in the biggest stages – the Champions League.
“I just decided in terms of my development and where I want to be with my goals that Celtic was the best path for me. So it was kind of a no-brainer.”
The story then goes on to speak about the influence of former Celtic coach Jim McGuinness, who’s his coach at current side Charlotte Independent. But why’s he not at Parkhead?
Gutman has been farmed back to the US on loan due to work-permit issues and probably won’t be seen until next season. That’s if he can get a work permit for the UK then.
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It’s a signing which does hold some promise, but it’s undoubtedly a risky one. Andrew Gutman’s already 22, has only ever played at College level and Celtic’s dominance is beginning to rattle.
And if work permit issues persist, before he even gets the chance to kick a ball for Celtic his Champions League dreams could be over.
And Rangers’ resident American’s could just be beginning. Rangers fans are eager to see what he can bring to the table.
