Celtic Message to Udinese – Stephen Welsh is Not for Sale

Udinese wasting their time targeting Stephen Welsh as Celtic Academy star remains in Postecoglou’s plans…

With five players being added to the squad in just the first ten days of the transfer window it is clear with a bloated squad Celtic will be looking to shift some players on, and while the club would entertain offers for some, it seems Udinese are very much wasting their time, if as expected, the Italians return with an improved offer. That’s according to Daily Record who report no offers for Welsh will be accepted in this transfer window as Postecoglou sees his future at Celtic.

‘Postecoglou and Celtic have also made it clear to Udinese that Welsh will not be leaving Parkhead in this window.

The Hoops are not in the market to let their Scotland under-21 captain leave and despite the Serie A side being keen on a loan or a £1.6million permanent transfer, neither was entertained.

Reports in Italy have stated that Udinese are set to come back in but if they do they will be met with the same dismissal as before for the Scotland under-21 captain.

Postecoglou wants Welsh to remain and to fight it out for one of the two central defensive positions.’

Stephen Welsh has been a vital option when Ange chooses to rotate his central defenders and has been improving with the increased opportunities offered. Welsh is also an important example for those coming through the Academy ranks that with the right attitude, commitment and of course performance, then a pathway to the first team is clear for anyone who has the talent and is willing to put in the hard yards.

As with any player Welsh will have his price and a move to Italian football may even appeal to the Scotland Under 21 captain, but for now playing for Celtic and learning from Ange Postecoglou has to be the perfect opportunity for Welsh to develop.

We could all mention at least five, six or even more players who have become peripheral figures under Postecoglou, all who appear to have stalled, and many on substantial weekly wages, who should be moving on before we ever consider letting Stephen Welsh leave the club. And it would appear with the likes of Boli Bolingoli, Vasilis Barkas and Ismaila Soro – who is rumoured to be heading to New York Red Bulls on loan – that if there has to be a cutting of Celtic’s cloth it starts with players like those outlined, where there appears little trust from Ange Postecoglou left, despite opportunities being given.

Stephen Welsh however clearly has that faith from management and the stands, and hopefully the message has been sent loud and clear to Udinese and to anyone else thinking they can pick up Stephen Welsh on the cheap in this window. Thanks, but no thanks.

Niall J