Celtic defender Andrew Gutman has had a switch confirmed for him, as he’s now joined FC Cincinnati on loan.
There’s no official timeline on the loan move mentioned, but it’s likely to be until the MLS season ends in November (FC Cincinnati). It looks like being a big move for him at this stage of his career.
Gutman spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlotte Independence. There, he was a first-team regular, and despite the side’s poor league form, Gutman secured impressive performances. He managed 14 outings with the Independence, and also scored on three occasions.
But now, he’s been granted a big step-up. Cincinnati is the newest side to have joined the MLS, and they’ve struggled this season. So far, they’re bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference. They’ve managed just 17 points so far too, as they continue to struggle in their debut season.
The MLS, however, is a major step-up from the USL, where Gutman played with Charlotte. It’s going to be a true indicator of just how good a player he is. And, for the man himself, it will be a dream come true to play in his country’s top league.
Opportunities looked limited for Gutman at Parkhead
It’s fair to say that the chances of seeing Gutman regularly this season were minimal. Despite the fact only Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo is the only fit and natural left-back, Gutman still never commanded a place on the bench.
He impressed in pre-season outings against Pinkafeld and Wiener Sportclub respectively. Outside of that, however, we didn’t see him play another match. Gutman also featured in a cameo against St Gallen. He hasn’t played in any of our five competitive matches so far.
When Kieran Tierney returns to full-fitness, that will only bump Gutman down the pecking order even more. It’s important he continues to play regularly, and it became clear that wasn’t happening at Celtic Park.
But there’s clearly a good player in the American too. His darting runs from left-back were a positive from the pre-season camp in Austria and Switzerland. He made a good impression, and it’s fair to say he took his chance when he was given it.
The move to Cincinnati, however, must be viewed by Gutman as a huge opportunity to show what he’s all about once more. Coming up against the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bastien Schweinsteiger will certainly do him a power of good.
Now, let’s see how he impresses in the States yet again – this time in its top tier.
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