Celtic have a stacked squad at this point of time, with multiple options in most areas of the pitch. That has been one of the biggest reasons behind their recent successes, as the Hoops are coming off of winning a treble. And with Brendan Rodgers arriving for a second stint in the Parkhead hot seat, they are expected to make further additions to their roster this summer.
That could be a bad news for a few of the club’s fringe players, who have been already struggling for playing time. As a result, they might end up leaving this summer.
One player who has been linked with a move away recently is Stephen Welsh. The Scottish defender came through the ranks at Celtic but has failed to nail down a spot in the starting XI. Rumours have suggested that clubs from Serie A are interested in signing him though and he has even been backed to make the move to Italy.
As reported by Football Insider, when asked if Welsh should follow in the footsteps of players like Aaron Hickey, Alan Hutton said:
"“I would if I was him.“He has obviously fallen down the pecking order at Celtic. Maybe Brendan Rodgers has an idea of bringing somebody else in.“He has had enough game time but he is now of an age where he has to play week in week out. Do I think he is going to get that at Celtic? No.“To go to Serie A where, defensively you have to be good, I think you are going to become a better all-round player.“Working on it week in week out as well as playing you saw how much it improved Hickey so I think that is something that could help him moving forward.“"
Celtic player tipped to leave the club and join Serie A
Of course, Hickey has proven to be a big success story in Scottish football in recent years. And interestingly, he is one that got away for Celtic, having come through the club’s youth system.
Hickey is not the only Scottish player who made the move to Italy in recent years though. Josh Doig and Lewis Ferguson are two more examples.
Could Welsh end up joining that quickly growing list? The likes of Hellas Verona and Bologna are rumoured to hold an interest in the Celtic defender.
At this stage of his career, Welsh needs playing time. It is hard to imagine him being a starter at Celtic next season though. Thus, it might make sense for him to move away in the summer.