Most of the speculation around Celtic in recent months has been about potential incomings in January. Kieran Tierney's name has dominated the headlines over the past couple of days as it looks like the Arsenal defender could be inching towards a Parkhead return. Other names like Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mathias Kvistgaarden have re-emerged as well.
On the other hand, there are some players who could be heading in the opposite direction. Stephen Welsh, for example, seems to be someone whose Parkhead exit is inevitable.
Welsh came through the ranks at Celtic and got a decent bit of playing time early on in his career, particularly in the 20/21 season. But in recent years, he has had a bit-part role at best. And at this point, it might be the right step for him to leave in search of a starting spot somewhere else.
Rumours have suggested that a loan offer has already been made for Welsh. Even Brendan Rodgers seems to have dropped a possible hint about the defender leaving next month.
Brendan Rodgers hints Celtic player could leave in January
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Rodgers said while talking about Welsh:
"What he gives, the likes of him and Tony (Ralston) plays a little bit more than what Stephen does.
“But these guys are still absolutely critical to the culture of this club.
“But of course, there’s sometimes they then have to think about themselves, and they’ve got to think about their careers.
“So I’m pretty sure there’ll be some movement with some players looking to get game time and play.
“We all respect that."
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Welsh. But it is unlikely that he will get much playing time at Celtic, even if he stayed on.
The likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are quite clearly ahead of him in the pecking order. Welsh had actually impressed quite a bit early on after Rodgers returned last year and was even handed a contract extension but an early-season injury ended up derailing that early momentum and by the time he was available again, he had slipped down the pecking order. Now, it might be best for him to leave Parkhead in search of playing time.