Colorado Rapids set to sign Atlanta United's Andrew Gutman
- Gutman previously entering final year of contract with Atlanta
- Caleb Wiley set to take over left-back duties
- Atlanta receives allocation money and an international roster slot in return
Andrew Gutman is headed to the Western Conference. The defender will join the Colorado Rapids from Atlanta United on July 5, when the league's Secondary Transfer Window opens.
As part of his move away, Atlanta will receive an international roster spot and allocation money from the Rapids.
Gutman was entering the final 12 months of his contract, and the club wasn't looking to extend. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda wasn't looking to include the defender in future plans, forcing the club to sell the 26-year-old.
The defender now departs as a fan favorite, often giving supporters electric moments in the attack. He managed seven goals in 46 appearances, while providing Pineda with flexibility on the pitch. The club will depend on 18-year-old Caleb Wiley to take over left-back responsibilities, as well as helping out on the wings when needed.
The Five Stripes are looking to see a busy transfer window, as they finalize Gutman's move while attempting to sign defensive midfielder Tristan Muyumba from French second division side EA Guingamp. Atlanta also boasts one international and one Designated Player roster slot, giving the Eastern Conference side flexibility to revamp the squad for the second half of the season.
Atlanta United, currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points, travel to Canada to take on Montreal, who've won all but two home games in 2023, on July 8. Though