American duo sign for Celtic

Andrew Gutman of Indiana University and Manny Perez of North Carolina State University are headed to Scotland’s double treble winners, Celtic.

After a recent trial with Rangers, Gutman has decided to sign on with the double treble winners, Celtic after a trial with the club’s development side. Native of Hindsde, Illinois, Gutman is a natural defender and has recently been named the Hermann Award winner for college soccer’s best player.

Gutman and the Indiana Hoosiers fell in the College Cup semifinals to eventual champions, Maryland after an impressive senior campaign for Gutman. Gutman finishes his collegiate career with a total of 20 goals in 90 games.

It will be interesting to see if the 22-year-old can find first team football, as he is a very versatile player that can possibly do wonders for Celtic if he can rise to the height of European football.

Manny Perez, US U-20 international and NC State right back, has signed a permanent deal with Celtic.

The Garner, North Carolina native was on trial with Celtic upon the conclusion of his collegiate season and obviously impressed Brendan Rodgers.

Perez likely won’t find much playing time in his early Celtic career, he will likely go out on loan either this January window or over the summer window. He is competing against Swedish international Mikael Lustig, Scottish U-21 international Anthony Ralston, and Costa Rican international Cristian Gamboa(although he’s been on the outskirts of the team this season).

Celtic will have a busy second half of the season with Europa League Round of 32 against Sevilla in February, which will have a grand atmosphere. On top of that, they have the Scottish Cup and two derbies against Rangers guaranteed.

This now makes three Americans added to Celtic’s roster this month after nearly seven years without one. Timo Weah has already surpassed the amount of games Dominic Cervi had in several years.

Celtic have also announced that they will continue development the loan moves back in the United States.