DESPITE the large volume of ill-informed rumours that have been doing the rounds over the past week or so, Celtic have this evening confirmed that the club has signed young American players Andrew Gutman and Manny Perez on three-and-a-half-year contracts.
Manny Perez has represented USA at Under-20 level and has been named Player of the Year in the USA Soccer Development Academy.
Andrew Gutman is the most recent recipient of the Hermann Trophy in America, one of the most prestigious awards for young players in the USA.
Both players will continue their development through loan moves back in the USA before returning to Celtic in due course. Andrew Gutman will be going to Nashville and Manny Perez to North Carolina before returning to Celtic.
“It is a huge honour to sign with Celtic FC, one of the biggest clubs in football. From my time visiting Glasgow, it was clear to see the scale, the spirit and the professionalism of the club,” Manny said.
“I am happy to be a part of Celtic and during this next period I will be working hard at my loan club in the USA to continue my development. I look forward to joining up with Celtic in the near future.”
Andrew Gutman, who hasn’t after all gone AWOL, was also delighted to sign for the Hoops.
“When I realised Celtic FC wanted to sign me permanently, I was really honoured. I know Celtic is a huge name in football, they have tremendous supporters and it is a club where I believe I can flourish as a player.
“For the immediate period I will be focusing on my loan in America where I look forward to playing as many matches as I can. After that, I can’t wait to join Celtic and be part of such a storied institution.”
Welcome to Celtic Bhoys…
PS The AWOL rumours that emerged surrounding Andrew Gutman were outrageous and were fuelled by click-baiters – avoid at all costs folks.
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