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Celtic have quite a deep squad at the moment, and further additions are expected in January. One of the rumours doing the rounds is that the club are set to sign Japanese centre-back, Yuki Kobayashi, who currently plays for Vissel Kobe. It remains to be seen if that ends up happening or not. If it does though, the Hoops must let one player leave on loan.
That player is none other than Stephen Welsh. Coming through the club’s youth system, he has been in and around the first-team picture for quite a while, but has never been able to nail down a spot in the team.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Welsh has made 6 appearances this season and played 506 minutes of football.
That is simply not enough for someone who is 22 years of age and could do with all the playing time he can get at this stage of his career, in order to help with his development. If Kobayashi arrives though, he is expected to fall further down the pecking order.
Why a move away on loan would help the Celtic centre-back immensely
We are seeing Mikey Johnston enjoying a career revival while away on loan in Portugal with Vitoria SC. Welsh could be equally benefited by it.
He is 22 years of age and so much of a centre-back’s development depends on experience. Welsh simply is not getting enough of it at Parkhead right now being the fourth-choice central defender at the club.
Moritz Jenz is only on loan at Parkhead at the moment, and it is unclear whether he will stay beyond this season.
On the other hand, a half-a-season loan deal could be beneficial for Welsh, if he ends up at a club where he will get regular playing time. By the time he returns, he could be a completely different player, and much more ready to make an impact on the first-team.