Welsh exit could be start defensive exodus at Celtic

Stephen Welsh has been linked with a January loan move to Belgian side KV Mechelen, and it’s an offer that the defender will be keen to make due to his lack of first team opportunities.

Brendan Rodgers is a known admirer of the defender who’s been at the club since he was a boy, but due to the form of Auston Trusty and Liam Scales he has seen his first team opportunities become restricted.

Welsh’s best interests

It would certainly be in the club and Welsh’s best interests if he takes the opportunity to kickstart his career at a decent level. The player himself would benefit from the experience, while the club could benefit financially from any potential permanent move.

It’s not just Welsh who could leave come January, his defensive teammate Maik Nawrocki could also depart the club either on loan or permanently, as the Pole is in the same boat regarding his first team chances.

Gustaf Lagerbielke is already out on loan, and he could well be followed by Welsh and Nawrocki. All three players are quite clearly not in Brendan’s plans, so any departures will most likely see the manager dip into the transfer market for a replacement.