Andrew Gutman to finally seal his Celtic move today - Report

By David Walton

January 17, 2019

As we continue to wait patiently, the deal for left-back Andrew Gutman could finally be announced today.

According to the Daily Record, today should finally be the day the Hoops announce their new man. The source was previously incorrect about him completing a deal before yesterday, but appear confident this time around.

It’s not an announcement that will overwhelm or underwhelm supporters. In truth, it’s simply a deal that’s dragged on, and one we all want to finally reach completion.

But it may also come at an extremely timely moment.

Andrew Gutman finally looks set to make his Celtic deal happen (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

With Kieran Tierney sweating to be fit for the Valencia match, Celtic are without a first-choice left-back. Emilio Izaguirre is first reserve, and will likely feature against Airdrieonians at Parkhead on Saturday.

No cover, so get him in

But outside of that, Celtic have no cover whatsoever. If Gutman has jetted in and is set to complete the deal today, he needs to be involved in the squad for Saturday. Yes, it would be a case of being thrown in at the deep end right away, but a home Scottish Cup clash with Airdrieonians shouldn’t be a big fuss.

If Izaguirre has to come off on Saturday, there are no replacements. Jonny Hayes and Callum McGregor have both played at left-back before, but it’s not familiar to them.

Kieran Tierney continues to sit out through injury (Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images)

It would probably be best that the American gets used to his new surroundings as soon as possible anyway. If he’s match-fit and ready to go, having him in the squad is the best course of action in case worse comes to worst.

Yes, Celtic could probably cope without a recognised left-back against Airdrieonians, but why not use it as an opportunity? Izaguirre won’t be here for much longer anyway. It would be wise to get his replacement in and around the place at the earliest convenience.

In any case, all of this can only happen if Celtic announce the deal today. The Record are certainly convinced it will be done today, but they’ve said that before.