Despite an impressive trial at Rangers, USA defender Andrew Gutman decided to sign for Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic in the January transfer window.
Andrew Gutman believes he made the right decision choosing Celtic over Old Firm neighbours Rangers during the January transfer window, speaking to American Soccer Now.
The 22-year-old defender found himself at the centre of a tug of war between the two Glasgow giants after making his name across the Atlantic in 2018. Gutman enjoyed a fine season at the Indiana Hoosiers, winning the Hermann Trophy given to the best college player in America.
And the USA youngster eventually signed a contract with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic despite looking set to join Rangers instead, after enjoying an impressive trial with Steven Gerrard’s side.
But Gutman clearly believes that Celtic is the right environment for him as he looks to prove himself in Scotland.
“I went on trial also with Rangers and both clubs were interested in me,” Gutman said.
“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.”
Gutman is now playing for Charlotte Independence, having joined the second tier side on loan recently. He will play under Jim McGuinness, an Irish coach who spent five years behind the scenes at Celtic between 2012 and 2017.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Rangers’ loss is Celtic’s gain.
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