Stephen Welsh’s time at Celtic is officially over.
On Wednesday morning, Celtic announced Welsh’s exit and that he will be joining English Championship side Swansea City at the start of July.
This was expected, given the recent rumours around Celtic terminating Welsh’s contract one year early after his positive loan stint at Motherwell during the recent campaign.
When Swansea officially confirmed Welsh’s arrival, they announced he had penned a ‘two-year contract,’ which includes an option for an ‘additional 12 months.’
The now-departed Hoops centre-back made it clear that it was a ‘no-brainer’ to make the switch to Wales.
“They made it clear that they really wanted me,” said Welsh. “And with the way the head coach spoke about the club, the environment he wants to create and the way he wants to play, it was a no-brainer.”
Would you have given Stephen Welsh another chance at Celtic?
Stephen Welsh ‘excited’ by Swansea City project after Celtic exit
Even though Welsh couldn’t make that ultimate breakthrough at Celtic, he still has a lot of experience under his belt ahead of this new adventure.
The 26-year-old, who made 70 appearances for the champions of Scotland, including European appearances, won 10 trophies in Glasgow.
But this is a new chapter in his career, and it seems to be a move that suits all parties.
Welsh expressed his excitement over the switch to Vitor Matos’s side, making it clear he is eager to test himself in the ‘brilliant’ but gruelling environment of the Championship.
“I am delighted to be joining Swansea; it’s a big club with a proud history,” Welsh told the Swansea’s official website.
“They made it clear that they really wanted me, and with the way the head coach spoke about the club, the environment he wants to create and the way he wants to play, it was a no-brainer.
“The Championship is a brilliant division, and one I am excited to be playing my football in and challenging myself in. I have experience, but I am also young enough to be ready for a new opportunity and a new chapter in my career. I am really looking forward to getting to South Wales and playing in front of the supporters.
“I hope we can improve on last season and achieve what we want to, because we have got some great players here and the plans for the future are exciting.”
Welsh reunites with former Celtic teammate Adam Idah
When Welsh finally gets going at Swansea, he will be greeted by a very familiar face in the shape of his former Celtic teammate, Adam Idah.
Last summer, Idah secured a £6 million switch to the Swansea.com Stadium. Making a positive impact, but being frustrated after spending several months on the sidelines.
Either way, it’s a storyline Celtic fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on next term.
Swansea will be backing themselves for promotion, or, at the very least, a push for the newly expanded play-off spots that now stretch down to eighth place.
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