Former Indiana defender Andrew Gutman has officially signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Celtic FC.
After the completion of the college season, Gutman went on trial with Rangers FC and as a result received an offer from the club.
Gutman's offer from Rangers then led to interest from the club's greatest rival, Celtic FC. From there Gutman was left to consider his interest in Scotland as well as a potential Homegrown Contract with the Chicago Fire.
“When I realized Celtic FC wanted to sign me permanently, I was really honored," Gutman said per Celtic FC. "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.”
Indiana's former leading goal scorer will be loaned out to Nashville SC as he continues his development.
“Once I heard about this opportunity, I was super excited,” Gutman said per Nashville SC. “Nashville is a great city, and they have built a very strong team. I am ready meet the guys, get to work and am excited to contribute in any way possible to this club. I want to thank Celtic F.C. for giving me the chance to grow as a player in Nashville. To the Nashville SC fans, I cannot wait to meet you and play in front of the best fans in the nation.”
This past season, Gutman won the 2019 MAC Hermann Trophy following an incredible senior season.
Gutman earned the award, which is given to college soccer’s best overall player, after leading the Hoosiers to two Big Ten Championships and the College Cup. He led the team in scoring with 11 goals and added nine assists along the way.
Gutman was also named to the First Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year on top of being an All-American.
[embed]https://twitter.com/TheHoosierNet/status/1036420688901496832[/embed]
This move to Scotland not only represents a major opportunity for Indiana's former defender, but it also goes to represent a major shift in American soccer. Gutman will be joining fellow American Timothy Weah at Celtic along with the many other Americans that have made the jump to Europe.
Indiana's former defender came into college as a completly under-recruited prospect. Now he's competing in the Scottish Premiership.
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