Brendan Rodgers has delivered an update on Celtic’s potential business in January and also addressed Dane Murray’s role as Stephen Welsh ventures nearer to the exit door.
The early stages of the January window are usually a gradual process, and patience may be a virtue as the Hoops look to see who may be on the market.
Most notably, Kieran Tierney is wanted back at Celtic as talks continue over a pre-contract agreement that would see his signature secured for next season.
Conceptually, it makes sense to guarantee his long-term future first. Still, a game of poker between Celtic and Arsenal could unfold regarding a potential loan for the remainder of the window.
Outgoings are expected, and Stephen Welsh is on the verge of joining KV Mechelen on a six-month deal with no option to buy.
The Scottish Premiership champions have also recalled Dane Murray from Queens Park. Confused? Not to worry, Brendan Rodgers joined the dots earlier today in his pre-match press conference before Celtic take on Dundee United.
Rodgers delivers Celtic transfer update and Dane Murray plan
Speaking earlier today, Rodgers confirmed Celtic have ‘a few little bits’ going on in the background concerning recruitment while also confirming Murray will take Welsh’s place if his loan switch to KV Mechelen is ratified.
He said: “A few little bits and pieces going on in the background, both in and out, but nothing to declare as of yet.”
On Welsh and Murray: “Well, we’ve brought Dane back for that purpose. He’s a young player I really thought highly of in the bits that I have seen him. Obviously, he had a horrendous spell with injuries, and we sent him to Queens Park, where Callum (Davidson), his team, and the club done a great job with him to ease him after a long period out; he virtually trained every day and got really good coaching and was at a fantastic club there.
“The whole idea then was to bring him back. Stephen is a player that has pretty much been a part of the fabric of this club for so many years. He’s one of the guys that helps create the culture because he’s come through the system.
“But there also comes a time where they need to look at their own career. There’s a possibility he’ll go out on loan. It’s not confirmed yet, but for him to go out and Dane come back, it’s quite an easy transition really.”
Dane Murray handed Celtic chance after injury frustration
Seamlessly fitting into Celtic’s homegrown quota regulations for European competition, Murray can now establish himself in the first-team fold after a long journey back from his injury trials and tribulations.
The 21-year-old featured against FC Midtjylland in 2021/22 Champions League qualifying but spent over a year on the sidelines before eventually returning to the Lennoxtown picture.
Encouragingly, the academy product made 20 appearances on Glasgow’s southside for Queens Park and has some senior experience behind him upon being recalled to Parkhead.
Could he go down a similar path to Welsh? It remains to be seen, though there are parallels between his situation and the man he is set to replace, who enjoyed a similar loan spell at Morton before bursting onto the scene.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
