Celtic’s sluggish movement in the transfer market has already had knock-on effects and now it’s cost Stephen Welsh the chance to get valuable game time.

The centre-back was on the verge of a loan move to Plymouth Argyle, but by the time Celtic gave the go-ahead, the English Championship side had already moved on and signed another defender. The hold-up wasn’t footballing, it came down to logistics and planning.

Brendan Rodgers had told CeltsAreHere earlier this week that the club were being cautious about the six international loan rule, keen not to use up all available slots too early. While there’s logic in protecting flexibility, in this case, it’s left a player in limbo.

Celtic currently only has three players out on international loans, for context.

UPDATE: Plymouth Argyle have ended their pursuit for Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh.

Celtic did give the green light to the loan move this week, but it came too late as #PAFC moved on.

They signed former Galatasaray centre-back Mathias Ross on a free transfer yesterday. https://t.co/tEbh126lBv

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 22, 2025

Welsh, 25, is well down the pecking order at Parkhead. With Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, Simpson-Pusey, and now Dane Murray ahead of him, he hasn’t even made the bench this season. A move to Plymouth would have offered the regular football he needs at this stage in his career.

Celtic’s approach this summer has been frustratingly slow across the board. Deals are dragging, decisions are delayed, and the knock-on effect is now impacting players who need clarity over their futures. Welsh deserves to play, and while the Plymouth chance may have passed, there’s still time for another move to materialise before the window shuts.

It’s now up to the club to ensure that doesn’t slip through the cracks too.