NEW CELTIC SIGNING Andrew Gutman is once again at the centre of a mystery. The 22 year old full-back had a trial with Steven Gerrard at Murray Park before Christmas before opting to turn his nose up at the Blue-Noses to instead join Celtic.
Then after he appeared as a trialist for The Celtic Development Team at Arbroath, he went off the radar and the Internet was full of rumours that he’d gone AWOL and the move to Celtic was off.
Then on deadline day Celtic surprised just about everyone by announcing the double signing of the two American players the club had been linked with – Andrew Gutman and Manny Perez on three-and-a-half-year contracts.
Gutman is the most recent recipient of the Hermann Trophy in America, one of the most prestigious awards for young players in the USA. And Celtic said this on the official website:
“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.”
Andrew Gutman also spoke about his delight at the move to Celtic.
“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.”
So that all seemed clear as far as Gutman was concerned. He had a trial at the Rangers, impressed, but instead of joining them he instead signed for Celtic on a three and a half year contract and was immediately loaned out to Nashville to continue his development?
Clear? That’s what’s happening? Right? No…Wrong.
It never seems simple when Andrew Gutman is involved! You see the news this evening is that his move to Nashville is OFF and he’s heading back to Celtic!
Apparently the Major League Soccer have REFUSED to support a deal for Gutman to join Nashville on a loan deal from Celtic so the move is now OFF!
So the former Indiana Hoosiers let-back will be back in Glasgow sooner than expected as his Nashville move has not been ratified.
A statement from Nashville explains what has happened.
“This past week, Nashville Soccer Club had announced its intention to take defender Andrew Gutman on loan from Celtic FC.
“However, as an expansion member of MLS and in light of the fact that MLS does not support the transaction, Nashville will not be proceeding with the loan.
“We wish Andrew the best this season and we will have no further comment on the matter.”
Also on The Celtic Star…
Zombie Outrage! Remember the call for Worldwide ban of Celtic tops at Golf? Now it’s Cricket
‘I’ve loved every minute at Celtic,’ Why Broony is staying for the Ten
Jerry the Pacemaker – ‘He’s very quick,’ says Brendan ‘he is dynamic and he gives us flexibility’
The Valencia file (Part 3) – McGrory of Valencia and the end of an era
