Celtic ready to let player leave again on one condition

Celtic are expected to push ahead with plans to sign another centre-back before the end of the January window, a move that could open the door for Stephen Welsh to leave the club again.

With less than a week left before the deadline, there is a clear need for reinforcements in defence. The situation became more urgent after Auston Trusty’s recent red card, which further reduced Martin O’Neill’s options at the back. As a result, bringing in a new central defender has moved close to the top of Celtic’s priority list.

Scott Burns of the Daily Record believes that if Celtic manage to complete a deal for a centre-back in the coming days, Welsh is likely to be allowed to move on.

Celtic ready to let player leave again on one condition

The defender was recalled from his loan at Motherwell earlier this month, but that appears to have been an emergency measure rather than a sign of renewed trust under O’Neill.

Burns said (h/t Daily Record) the club is mainly looking at temporary deals:

“Yes, Celtic will add again. Another central defender has become a priority. They wanted to bring another centre half in, and that will now be accelerated after Auston Trusty’s red card.”

“Shaun Maloney and the recruitment team are primarily looking at loans or loans with options in the first instance. I don’t see Celtic making too many permanent signings in this window.”

“They have brought back Stephen Welsh back from Motherwell, but it doesn’t look like he is going to get his chance under Martin O’Neill.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if another goalkeeper and a winger or attacking midfielder was brought in. There should be one or two arrivals before the close of the window. I would also expect Welsh to return to Motherwell if Celtic can get an early deal done.”

Welsh has struggled to secure a regular place in the Celtic first team in recent seasons. He had a run of games in the 2020/21 campaign, but has mostly been used as a backup option under different managers. His return from Motherwell has not changed that picture so far.