Hoops nip in to sign defender Gutman after trial at Rangers
CELTIC have signed American left-back Andrew Gutman who has been described as a “top college player” in his own country.
The 22-year-old will be seen as a project ‘project player’ rather than someone who will come straight into his squad, although he does come highly recommended.
He was awarded the MAC Hermann Trophy this week, a trophy given to the best college player in the United States.
Gutman was on trial with Rangers recently and he will now end up on the other side of Glasgow. It was reported in America that he’s been offered a deal by Rangers.
MLS club Chicago Fire wanted the defender but Gutman’s dream was always to play in Europe.
The Parkhead side also have a rightback on the radar.
Omar Elabdellaoui is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays for Greek club Olympiacos. He can also play as a right midfielder.
Elabdellaoui began his career with Skeid before signing with Manchester City in 2008; he made his professional debut while on loan at Strømsgodset.
Elsewhere, Mark Hateley believes that Jermain Defoe will be the perfect partner for Alredo Morelos at Rangers.
The veteran England internationalist has agreed an 18-month loan deal with Steven Gerrard’s side and former striker turned pundit Hateley believes he has the experience to take Morelos onto the next level.
“I see a young player in Morelos who can learn a lot from Defoe,” said Hateley.
“You look at his goals and his range of goals which are vast while young strikers are looking to burst the back of the net every time they get in front of goal.
“When I joined AC Milan I was fortunate enough to play with Paolo Rossi for a season.
“One of the first things he said to me that you don’t actually have to hit the back of the net to score, all you have to do is get the ball over the line.
“You look at great goal scorers and that’s what they do.”
And the former striker believes that Rangers are still pinching themselves at just how far they have come since Gerrard’s arrival at the club.
“It’s a reality check as Rangers are so far ahead of where we should be,” he said.
“We should be looking at two windows on from this one. That’s how efficient the machine is at the moment within the football club.”