Celtic to sanction defender exit with Brendan making call on impressive loan player

Celtic look set to allow Stephen Welsh to depart the club on a loan deal until the end of the season…

Stephen Welsh of Celtic before the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park on October 30, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Scottish defender is subject of interest from KV Mechelen with the Belgian side having made a couple offers for the 25-year-old. As reported by Record Sport, Welsh will be allowed to complete a temporary switch in order to satisfy his desire to play first team football.

Welsh on the fringes of things at Celtic

Welsh started in the stalemate at Dundee United but finds himself fourth in the Celtic Park centre back rankings with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales ahead in the manager’s estimations. Brendan has previously spoken about wanting four central defenders and with Maik Nawrocki and Welsh now linked with an exit, the club will need to remedy this role.

29th July 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland: Pre Season Football Friendly, Celtic versus Wolverhampton Wanderers Stephen Welsh of Celtic FC on the ball. Photo ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

Celtic will, however, bring Dane Murray back from his loan with Queen’s Park with the Scottish youth Internationalist having impressed in the Championship. Celtic have been keeping tabs on the player and will bring him back to assess him in January, while allowing him to satisfy the club’s European homegrown quotas.

Tierney rumours

Brendan Rodgers chats to Kieran Tierney at the Celtic FC Foundation event in London on Friday 11 October 2024. Photo: Celtic FC Foundation

Celtic will be keen to ensure that they conduct their business promptly in January both incomings and outgoings. Alexandro Bernabei is expected to depart with Celtic potentially receiving up to £8m for the left back. Brendan wants to strengthen in the wide areas and Kieran Tierney has been linked with a sensational return.

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