FORGOTTEN CELTIC left back Andrew Gutman is nearing a return to FC Cincinnati. The 24-year-old was signed in the last transfer window of the Brendan Rodgers era and now looks close to sealing a move to the American side.
Cincinnati confirmed in a statement that they would be negotiating with Gutman about retaining him for the 2021 season. Celtic have Gutman signed up until 2022 after he signed a three year deal but due to failing to meet strict visa rules has yet to make an appearance at the club.
Gutman joined Celtic from Chicago FC United in January 2019 after trialing at Rangers before opting for the Scottish Champions. Despite having never played for the club in a competitive match for Celtic, Gutman impressed in the Austrian pre-season tour before being sent on loan.
Celtic signed Manny Perez at the same time as Gutman and have been linked with Philadelphia Union’s Mark McKenzie. The MLS is becoming an emerging talent pool for Scottish clubs as they use their locality to South America to pick up promising talents. Homegrown talent like McKenzie are showcased in matches with certain quotas needing fulfilled of local players, allowing them to use their platform for a move to a bigger league.