Gutman, Perez sign with Celtic FC

January 31, 2019

Andrew Gutman and Manny Perez have found the same new home for 2019.

Gutman, the 2018 TopDrawerSoccer.com Player of the Year, has signed with Celtic FC, the club announced on Thursday. Perez also signed with Celtic FC, and both were immediately loaned out to USL teams for the upcoming season. Gutman will join Nashville SC and Perez will stay in North Carolina and play for North Carolina FC.

🆕🇺🇸 We can confirm the club has signed young Americans @_andrewgutman and Manny Perez on three-and-a-half-year contracts.

Both players will continue their development through loan moves back in the USA. Welcome to #CelticFC, Bhoys! 🍀

➡️ https://t.co/8pCaSEHqI9 pic.twitter.com/PiBPETO8nK
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 31, 2019

“It is a huge honour to sign with Celtic FC, one of the biggest clubs in football," Perez said in a statement. "From my time visiting Glasgow, it was clear to see the scale, the spirit and the professionalism of the club.

"I am happy to be a part of Celtic and during this next period I will be working hard at my loan club in the USA to continue my development. I look forward to joining up with Celtic in the near future."

Perez spent two seasons at NC State, where he emerged as one of the best freshmen in the country during the 2017 season. He made 29 appearances during his career in Raleigh, scoring six goals and adding nine assists. During that time, he was also called up to the U.S. Under 20 Men's National Team, and he was named to the roster for the 2018 U20 Concacaf Championship.

A four-year star at Indiana, Gutman score 11 goals and chipped in nine assists as the starting left back for the Hoosiers during 2018. He finishes his collegiate career with 90 appearances, 20 goals and 17 assists.

“When I realised Celtic FC wanted to sign me permanently, I was really honoured," Gutman said in a release. "I know Celtic is a huge name in football, they have tremendous supporters and it is a club where I believe I can flourish as a player. For the immediate period I will be focusing on my loan in America where I look forward to playing as many matches as I can. After that, I can’t wait to join Celtic and be part of such a storied institution.”

Said Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley in a release: “It’s exciting to see a traditional power from Europe see the potential in Andrew. With an opportunity to keep developing in Nashville, Andrew’s trajectory is high as he begins his professional career. All of us at Indiana are really proud of Andrew's development during his four years at IU. I would expect the U.S. National Team will be watching Andrew closely.”

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big Ten