Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh could be allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window.
According to a report from Sky Sports, KV Mechelen have made a loan offer to sign the Bhoys centre-back in January.
The Belgian Pro League club previously made a loan bid in the summer window, but Celtic didn’t want to sell him at that time.
It appears they have returned again with another loan bid, and Celtic are willing to listen to offers next month.
The 24-year-old defender is keen to play regularly, and a move away from Parkhead could be on the cards.
He has played just once this season and plans to discuss his long-term future at Celtic Park with manager Brendan Rodgers.
Stephen Welsh should leave Celtic Park
Celtic bolstered their defence in the summer by signing Auston Trusty from Sheffield United, and they have enough depth in that area.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Trusty are ahead of him in the pecking order, and it makes sense for him to move elsewhere.
Welsh progressed through the youth ranks at Celtic and has made 67 senior appearances for the club, scoring four goals.
However, with game time hard to come by and no indication that his situation would improve any time soon, Celtic must allow him to leave.
Nawrocki is another player who has struggled for game time this season. Like Welsh, he has managed only one appearance in 2024-25 and is looking to leave the club.
If Celtic receive any permanent offer for Welsh, they must accept it. Otherwise, a loan move away to KV Mechelen would still be a good option for the defender.
Celtic could be forced to sign a new centre-back in the January window or next summer if they lose both Welsh and Nawrocki, but Rodgers may have other ideas.
