Celtic central defender Stephen Welsh is set to depart the club this month and is closing in on a loan move to KV Mechelen in Belgium.
The 24-year-old has made just two appearances for the Hoops this season, both of which came amidst some heavy rotation.
He will now get the opportunity to head elsewhere and get regular minutes, which, for a player of his age, is critical.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers all but confirmed Welsh’s exit in his pre-Dundee United press conference this afternoon, admitting there comes a time when players have to think about their own careers. Welsh, quite clearly, isn’t getting regular minutes in Glasgow, so will resultantly move on.
Indeed, it looks like it is only a matter of time before his exit is confirmed, with Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reporting on X that the defender has completed his Mechelen medical and that the paperwork of the deal will be finalised at some point this evening:
UPDATE: Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh has completed a medical with KV Mechelen.
It is understood the 24-year-old will finalise the paperwork on his six-month loan deal this evening. https://t.co/ibI7HxAzQQ
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 7, 2025
The temporary move is best for all parties. Welsh isn’t getting the minutes he needs or wants, and Celtic can afford to let him leave, especially after recalling Dane Murray from his Queen’s Park loan.
Rodgers thinks the 21-year-old taking Welsh’s place in the squad will be an ‘easy transition’, with his departure well in the works.
