Stephen Welsh at centre of loan offer as Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has decision to make

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The wheels are starting to spin as Celtic look to conduct January transfer business and movement is expected in both directions at Parkhead.

Evaluating potential incoming in Glasgow’s east end, the Bhoys are interested in a shock return for Kieran Tierney after Arsenal made it clear they wouldn’t take up their one-year contract extension clause involving the Scotland international.

The former Celtic left-back is open to a wage cut to seal a move back to Parkhead, and Brendan Rodgers will explore both loan and pre-contract avenues to land his man.

Further up the field, Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter is also on the Bhoys’ radar and is viewed as a compelling wide option to provoke positional competition at Parkhead.

On the flipside, Luis Palma and Maik Nawrocki are considering their options at Celtic. They may leave alongside Stephen Welsh, who has been mentioned as a potential outgoing amid his recent struggle for first-team football.

Now, his future looks to be becoming clearer by the minute if recent developments are anything to point towards.

Celtic receive loan offer for out-of-favour Stephen Welsh

According to journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic have received a loan proposal from KV Mechelen for Welsh that would see him move to Belgium for the remainder of the campaign.

He wrote on social media outlet X: “UPDATE: KV Mechelen have made a loan offer for Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh. The Belgian Pro League side want the 24yo to join in Jan until the end of the season. It’s understood Welsh is keen to get regular first team football and Celtic are willing to listen to offers.”

As stated, a loan move in January until the end of the campaign looks to be the Jupiler Pro League outfit’s preferred approach, with Celtic open to a potential departure.

The 24-year-old has made just one competitive appearance for the Bhoys this season against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup.

Stephen Welsh securing Celtic loan exit would suit both parties

Welsh has been a sturdy central defensive option since breaking through in 2020. However, several Celtic squad members are ahead of him in the pecking order, making a loan exit viable for both parties.

Not only will he gain regular minutes, but you elevate his market value as a result of sending him to play in a competitive environment such as the Belgian top flight.

After a frustrating few months on the sidelines for Celtic, it would be nice to see Welsh excel before his future is reviewed later down the line.