Rangers have competed well with Celtic on and off the pitch this season. Recently they beat the Hoops to the signature of Jermain Defoe, but it seems like Celtic might get one over their rivals now as latest reports from MLS website the Athletic indicates that Celtic are set to sign Andrew Gutman.
Gutman is one of the budding stars in American football, and the full-back is highly regarded. Rangers had the 22-year-old on trial as per the reports in the Daily Record. The Gers were impressed with him and offered a contract to play for Rangers. However, Gutman wanted to take some time to come to a decision, and now it seems like that has given Celtic a chance to make a raid for him.
The left-back recently won Hermann Trophy, which is awarded each year to the top player in college soccer in the United States of America. The player also has various contract offers from American clubs, and it remains to be seen which route the fullback might finally choose.
Rangers would be disappointed though if Celtic signs him from right under their nose as it was the Gers who brought him on trial to Glasgow. The fullback seemingly impressed Gerrard in that period as the club offered him a contract.
The Bears have been very active once again in the transfer window. Not signing Gutman is not going to make an instant impact to the Gers squad as the player is yet to be tested at the top level and has so far played just college football. But the talent seems to be there, and maybe in a few years, he could have been a big prospect.
Rangers could be in need of a left back though as Borna Barisic has turned out to be injury prone. In his absence, Gerrard had to use the likes of Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday as backup options. Flanagan has often struggled in his unnatural position, and the manager would be better off using him in the right back spot.
Halliday has done well, but he could be more potent if used in midfield. Former captain Lee Wallace is definitely out of the picture right now so the club could do with a backup left back. It remains to be seen whether the Hoops would be able to poach this target away from Rangers in the next few days in the transfer window. All in all definitely a blow for Gerrard if Gutman does indeed sign for Celtic.
