:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62834835/usa_today_10467824.0.jpg)
According to Michael Grant of The Times, (paywall) Scottish Premier League (SPL) leaders Celtic have signed Indiana University left-back Andrew Gutman.
Gutman first spent several weeks on trial with Rangers and received a contract offer, but ultimately signed with Celtic.
The 22-year-old won the 2018 MAC Hermann Trophy (soccer’s equivalent of the Heisman), guided Indiana to the NCAA semifinals, and recorded 11 goals and 9 assists in 23 appearances.
Gutman was eligible to sign with the Chicago Fire as a homegrown player, but chose not to. A Chicago Fire spokesperson said that an offer was made but ultimately Gutman decided to go with Celtic’s offer.**
The move follows a December trial with Old Firm rivals Rangers. He will be Celtic’s fourth natural left-back, the others being Kieran Tierney (Tierney has missed the last five matches with a hip injury), Calvin Miller, and Emilio Izaguirre.
Gutman is the second third American on the roster, joining former NC State man Manny Perez, and Timothy Weah who is on loan from Paris Saint Germain.
**Editor’s note: This article was updated to note that the Fire confirmed they offered Gutman a contract.