Celtic decide Stephen Welsh fate after ‘agreeing’ transfer
Celtic have arrived at a decision over the future of Stephen Welsh after lining up a defensive replacement for the Scotsman.
After notching their 55th league title, the Scottish side have been tepid in the transfer market.
Their only notable signing was the return of Kieran Tierney who rejoined his boyhood club on a free from Arsenal.
Further acquisitions of Japanese pair Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura continues the Hoops extensive connection with the Asian nation.
Brendan Rodgers has put his title-winning side through the paces in pre-season ahead of their league opener against St Mirren.
Five wins in seven, including a 4-0 battering of Newcastle has put the Glaswegian club in good stead as they bid to defend their crown.
With still another month to go of transfer activity, the Northern Irish manager will be eager to bring in a few more players before 1 September.
Simpson-Pusey move pushes Welsh further away
According to the Daily Record (30 July), Celtic are poised to complete the signing of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a season-long loan.
The Man City Under-21s captain has been progressing nicely at the club, even featuring six times for the senior team domestically and in Europe.
Pep Guardiola has “given the green light” for the 19-year-old’s move to Glasgow, pushing Welsh further down the pecking order.
The 25-year-old is “attracting interest” from Belgium whilst Plymouth Argyle are “keen”.
Welsh’s Celtic future up in the air
The arrival of Simpson-Pusey is an obvious message from Rodgers that Welsh is not a part of his plans next season.
The 25-year-old started at the club from a young age in the U-20s, but his game time has been limited to mostly cameos off-the-bench.
After just one league start, the Scotsman left his boyhood club to join KV Mechelen in January 2025 on a short-term loan.
| Welsh’s statistics at KV Mechelen | |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Minutes played | 1303 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Tackles (per-90) | 1.3 |
| Interceptions (per-90) | 1 |
| Aerial duels won (per-90) | 2.4 |
The centre-back impressed in Belgium, quickly establishing himself in the starting XI as part of a back four or three.
His impact saw the Pro League side finish eighth in the table, equalling the 2023-24 campaign’s performance.
Two off-the-bench appearances in pre-season for the Hoops highlights that the defender needs to leave the club to find regular minutes elsewhere.
Indeed, the number 57 has two years left on his contract, but he can’t wait for something to happen.
Interest from Belgium and the Championship suggests the Scot could pick up another loan move or, even better, force a permanent transfer away from Glasgow.