Celtic on verge of signing Premier League defender on loan, will allow Stephen Welsh to leave
Celtic are closing in on the signing of Benjamin Arthur from Brentford on loan.
The Hoops have been highly active on transfer deadline day, as Martin O’Neill finally gets the reinforcements he has been asking for.
Celtic have already completed the signing of Junior Adamu, who has joined the Old Firm side on loan from Freiburg until the end of the season.
Now, the Hoops are aiming to add a defender to their ranks, with Arthur closing in on a move to the Glaswegians.
Celtic set to sign Benjamin Arthur from Brentford on loan
According to Sky Sports on 2 February, Celtic are close to agreeing a loan deal for Arthur.
The 20-year-old central defender has emerged as a top talent at the Premier League side and made his debut for the Bees this season.
Now, after three first-team appearances, the Hoops are looking to secure the signing.
However, there are some details that need to be hashed out for the England Under-20s international.
Celtic are close to agreeing a loan deal for Brentford centre-back Benjamin Arthur.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) February 2, 2026
The clubs are still sorting some details before it can be sanctioned.
If a deal can be struck, it could pave the way for Stephen Welsh to move back to Motherwell on loan.
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If everything goes through, it could allow Stephen Welsh to rejoin Motherwell after O’Neill recalled the centre-back to the Hoops in January to help provide cover for the backline.
Motherwell agree deal in principle to re-sign Stephen Welsh
While Celtic attempts to secure the signing of Arthur, Motherwell have also made moves to sign Welsh.
Sky Sports has confirmed that the two clubs have reached a deal in principle to send the defender back on loan tonight.
However, this is dependent on O’Neill bringing in a centre-back first to replace him, which is likely to be Arthur as it stands.
Motherwell and Welsh are awaiting the green light to go ahead with the move, with the deadline in Scotland for transfers at 11pm.
📸 BTS with Junior#WelcomeJunior | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/ZjMnxturhe
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 2, 2026
Welsh made 17 appearances for Motherwell before he was recalled, with the centre-back being a key player for the side this season.
Therefore, they will be hoping to bring him back to the club to boost their chances of finishing fourth and qualifying for European football.
However, it remains to be seen if the deal can be finalised in time, with time running out for Celtic to complete the signing of Arthur from Brentford, which will allow Motherwell to bring back Welsh.