Transfer Latest – Celtic defender heads out on loan to Belgian top flight side

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has joined Belgian top flight side KV Mechelen on loan until the end of the season, with the clubs confirming the move had been agreed just before midday…

Stephen Welsh
Celtic v St Mirren – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtic s Stephen Welsh celebrates with the cinch Premiership trophy at the end of the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday May 18, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

The Celtic Academy graduate and former Scotland Under 21 captain has been a target for KV Mechelen for quite some time. They tried and failed to get their man in the summer transfer window but now with game-time limited at Celtic with Welsh sitting behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as the three central defenders vying for starts at Celtic, the club has allowed Welsh to head out on loan to get first team football.

Welsh started at Tannadice 

Stephen Welsh did start at Tannadice last month and played very well in the goalless draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership but his opportunities have been few and far between in recent times.

Dane Murray of Celtic
Dane Murray of Celtic seen during the UEFA Champions League qualification match between FC Midtjylland and Celtic at MCH Arena in Herning. Photo: Gonzales Photo/Lasse Lagoni

Dane Murray has been re-called by the club from his own loan spell at Queen’s Park and will take Weslsh’s place on the Scottish quota list for the remaining European games this season starting with the hugely important match with Young Boys at Celtic Park on 22 January.

Best of luck to Stephen at KV Mechelen and we’ll look forward to seeing you back in action for Celtic next season.

Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel acknowledges the fans following the Scottishl Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

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1 Comment

  1. Not a deal that should have any impact upon ourselves for the remainder of this season, not unless a CB injury crisis comes upon ourselves?
    Welsh may regarded as our 4th choice CB before this loan move, yet remains unclear as to whether Murray or rocki will get the position now, but without any injuries, the playing time will be virtually zero for the remainder of this season.
    Still could be a case of Murray or Welsh for the squad place next season, but wait and see what develops before then.

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