Celtic have knocked back an approach from Udinese for defender Stephen Welsh, according to a report on Sky Sports this evening. The Serie A club have approached Celtic to attempt to sign the Scotland Under 21 captain initially on a loan deal but with ab option to buy.
Celtic have rejected the approach and are keen to keep Welsh at the club as the Celtic Academy graduate is very much part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans. Welsh is contracted to the summer of 2025 having signed a new four year contract last April.
Welsh has featured prominently in the first half of the season and is essentially one of three central defenders alongside Cameron Carter Vickers and Carl Starfelt, with utility man Nir Bitton now being played more in midfield. In his interview with Celtic TV this evening Ange Postecoglou also revealed that Christopher Jullien is now fully fit, is training with the squad and will be given game-time over the next few weeks.
However having had such a long time out of the game, it’s just over a year since he collided with the goalpost against Dundee United at Celtic Park, it’s going to take time before the Frenchman is going to be regarded as a regular first team starter.
Welsh is a home grown talent, a Celtic supporter and a player who will develop further under the manager, so it would be madness to move him on at this stage in his career. A bold attempt by the Italians but thankfully one that has failed.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 7, 2022
