Celtic are expected to bring in multiple new faces this summer in order to strengthen the squad as well as reshape it to fit the vision and plans of Brendan Rodgers. On the other hand, quite a few are expected to leave as well, as they have struggled for playing time at Parkhead and might continue to do so.
One player who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer is Stephen Welsh. The Scottish defender came through the ranks at Celtic and has played a decent bit of football at the senior level as well.
He has been struggling for playing time though, and appeared to be the last choice centre-back in the pecking order during Ange Postecoglou’s last few months at the club. There does not seem to be a lack of interest in the signature of Welsh despite that though.
Clubs from down south and beyond are rumoured to be keeping an eye on Welsh. But could his fortunes change at Celtic following the arrival of Rodgers as manager to replace Postecoglou?
Celtic player tipped to stay on despite exit rumours
As reported by Football Insider, Alan Hutton said when asked if there is any reason for Celtic to keep Welsh at the club:
"“Obviously the homegrown element counts for something but put that aside and he is a really good footballer.“Whenever he has been called upon he has been very reliable.“I think Brendan Rodgers will be analysing everybody in the squad at this moment in time. I do not think he will be in any rush to get him out the door at this moment in time unless a decent offer comes in.“They are obviously not looking for loans, they either want him gone permanently or they are happy to keep him.“Unless Brendan Rodgers sees something he does not like, he will probably not move him on.“"
There is no doubt about Welsh’s talent and potential. On his day, he is a very good defender but seems to be missing the required consistency at this point of time.
That will only come with experience. But unfortunately, he has spent most of his time at Celtic sitting on the bench. Thus, it is not hard to see why he is being linked with a move away. At 23 years of age, he needs to be playing every week.
Central defence is not an area where Celtic have a lot of great options though. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt are the established duo in defence but who is going to be third choice? Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata did not look brilliant when given chances towards the end of last season.