Chicago Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez has revealed that Andrew Gutman has rejected the offer of a new deal at the club to join Celtic.
The left-back, 22, is expected to imminently join the Hoops and become their fourth signing of the window following deals for forward Vakoun Issouf Bayo, winger Oliver Burke, and striker Timothy Weah.
Rodriguez said, as quoted by Sky Sports: “Andrew was offered a contract but chose not to accept it. Instead he decided to go with the offer from Celtic, so good luck to him.”
OPINION
This is the first public confirmation of the transfer from either side, although Brendan Rodgers did admit at Celtic’s winter training camp in Dubai last week that he was interested in signing the left-sided defender from the MLS. It is a big ask, though, to expect the 22-year-old to make the leap from college-level football to the SPL, given that he has yet to make a senior competitive appearance. His profile makes him attractive, as does the potential for improvement under the tutelage of Rodgers and his coaches. He would become the fourth Celtic recruit of the month, and they all have two things in common – youth and low cost. This is all well and good, but the Scottish champions can’t just shop in the bargain basement this month. They must also look to sign players they can be sure can make an immediate impact, as Rangers have done with their short-term purchases of Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis.