Sporting director sounds buzzing as Stephen Welsh explains why he left Celtic to join KV Mechelen on loan

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Stephen Welsh is Celtic’s first transfer exit of the January window after sealing a loan move to Belgian side, KV Mechelen.

Celtic announced Welsh’s departure earlier today as the club wished the centre-back good luck as he looks to get some first-team minutes from now until the end of the season.

Welsh has been a bit-part player for Celtic and despite being at the club since his youth days, the defender has still to break the 100 appearance barrier.

To be fair to him, Welsh has had a number of injury issues to contend with as well as having to compete with the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt for a first-team place over the past few seasons.

Now on loan at KV Mechelen, sporting director Tim Matthys couldn’t hide his delight at securing the services of the Celtic defender who, he admits, he has made a number of attempts to try and sign.

KV Mechelen sporting director hails ‘solid’ Celtic defender Stephen Welsh

Matthys told KV Mechelen’s official website, “Finally he is with us. We had already made a number of attempts (this summer) to bring Stephen here. What didn’t work out then, is now done.

“Stephen is the reinforcement we needed at short notice. He will give our defensive compartment a solid injection of quality.

“His arrival is important to sharpen the competition and give our coach more options at the back.”

Celtic’s Stephen Welsh ‘delighted’ to join KV Mechelen

Desperate to make an impression at his new club, Welsh has revealed why he decided to make his temporary Celtic exit and his plan to help Mechelen improve their status in the league.

Welsh said, “Malinwa had been showing for some time that they wanted me there.

“I am delighted to be able to sign with this beautiful club. In the coming months, I want to compete with the team and the supporters and achieve great results. I’m looking forward to it!

“My contract here runs until the summer, so I will do everything I can to achieve success with the team. My full focus is now on being able to play for KV as soon as possible.”

Welsh is available to play in Mechelen’s next away fixture at Cercle Brugge this Sunday in the Belgian Pro League.

Kick-off is at 6:15pm as the Celtic defender hopes to get a taste of first-team action for his new club as Welsh looks to get Mechelen back into contention for next season’s European places.