Two Celtic players who could be impacted by Gutman loan block

By Connor Gordon

February 4, 2019

Celtic’s new American left-back Andrew Gutman will not be going out on loan to Nashville SC.

The deadline day signing was to be sent back home but MLS has put a blockage on the move.

This will mean Gutman potentially returning to Glasgow to fight Jonny Hayes and Emilio Izaguirre for the back-up left-back spot.

Celtic fans could see new Bhoy Gutman quicker

The one-time Rangers trialist put pen to paper with their bitter rivals on a three and a half year deal.

American Andrew Gutman will join Celtic squad following loan block with Nashville SC. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

As part of the deal, he and fellow countryman Manny Perez were set to continue their development across the pond.

However, in terms of Gutman, the 22-year-old isn’t joining up with MLS linked Nashville SC.

In a statement, the USL side said: “This past week, Nashville Soccer Club had announced its intent to take Andrew Gutman on loan from Celtic F.C.

“However, as an expansion member of MLS and in light of the fact MLS does not support the transaction, Nashville will not be proceeding with the loan.

Manny Perez joins the Hoops along with fellow countryman. (Photo by Joe Hicks/Getty Images)

“We wish Andrew the best this season, and we will have no further comment on the matter.”

As the news has just been announced, the near future of Gutman is unknown but seeing as he is a Celtic player it would be expected that he would return to his parent club.

Where does American fit in at Celtic now?

It is unexpected, but it’s not known how high up the pecking order Gutman will be at Parkhead.

Another loan should be sought back home as he will be up against Izaguirre and Hayes to push Kieran Tierney.

The Scotland international is out for a lengthy period of time with an injury.

Back-up Celtic full-backs will be fighting for Kieran Tierney’s spot during injury spell. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hayes didn’t move on in the January window, perhaps as a pre cursor to back-up Izaguirre as a full-back.

However, if Gutman wishes to challenge them, now is the time and it will be a fantastic chance for the fans to see one of the new buys quicker than anyone thought.

Fingers crossed he will be a success at the Hoops and will have the backing of the support.