Report: Celtic disappoint deadline day suitors with strong Stephen Welsh stance

By John McGinley

January 31, 2023

Sheffield Wednesday’s pursuit of Stephen Welsh is over after Celtic decided the defender would not be leaving on loan before the end of the transfer window.

Welsh has struggled for game time this season with just six starts, alerting a number of clubs to his situation this January.

Local outlet The Star reports that Wednesday will not be signing the centre-back now that Celtic have made a firm decision, despite the player being open to the possibility of the move.

Celtic have already let Moritz Jenz leave the club this January and while Ange Postecoglou has brought Yuki Kobayashi to Scotland, the Bhoys do need cover for the position in the event of injuries.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have both had spells out of the team this season due to injury and with three trophies to push for, Celtic are clearly not taking any risks.

Postecoglou has always made it clear he’s an admirer of Welsh despite his lack of game time and isn’t afraid to give him minutes should he be needed.

The 23-year-old’s contract runs until 2025 so he still has a bit of time to prove himself at the club, although regular week-to-week football would undoubtedly be good for his development.

Right now he appears to be somewhat caught between the needs of Celtic and his career, although the club are well within their rights to ensure we have the appropriate cover.

Welsh is a massive Celtic fan and enjoys working with the manager, so I doubt he’ll be too disappointed to get to remain at the Bhoys and potentially win more medals over the coming months.

In other news, Aalborg ‘in constant contact’ with Oliver Abildgaard but Celtic exit still in balance.