Italian clubs are expected to follow up on long-standing interest in Celtic defender Stephen Welsh, The Daily Record has reported. [27/07 print edition, page 55]
As we discussed on 67 Hail Hail yesterday, the Italian FA have decided to relax rules around signing UK and Swiss citizens in Serie A, effectively getting rid of the two-man quota that existed for each team. Players from the two countries will now be treated the same as EU-designated talents.
The Record reports this will clear the way for teams such as Hellas Verona, Udinese and other Italian teams keen on Welsh who have so far been hampered in their attempts to sign him in part because of the previous non-EU limit.
It’s said official offers are now expected to be put on the table for Celtic to consider as Welsh waits for a Brendan Rodgers decision on his future at the Bhoys. He is contracted to the club until 2025.
Right now, it is difficult to see where Welsh fits into first-team plans at the Bhoys. Both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt are clearly ahead of him and new signing Maik Nawrocki will undoubtedly get more minutes than the Academy graduate too.
With Yuki Kobayashi also in the mix and unlikely to be moved on so soon after arriving in Glasgow, it leaves Welsh looking at an exit as the best option to get week-to-week playing time.
However, as a player developed by the Bhoys, Welsh does tick the box of being an available backup option who also meets UEFA Champions League homegrown criteria, which is always a consideration.
It seems one way or another, Celtic will have to make a decision on what they want from Welsh this summer with teams now ready to make their move. After 52 appearances in all competitions, he is at a crossroads in his Bhoys career.
In other news, New signing Maik Nawrocki shares his playing style and personality; what to expect at Celtic.
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