Celtic supporters will be delighted with breaking reports that the club is back in the market for a centre-back. Options have been limited, with growing interest in starting defenders.
According to Anthony Joseph, the Hoops are seeing who's available to reinforce the backline.
UPDATE: Celtic are still looking to bring in a centre-back before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) February 1, 2026
If they can make a breakthrough with a centre-back target, it could pave the way for Stephen Welsh to rejoin Motherwell.
The Hoops recalled Welsh from his loan at Well last month. https://t.co/sc1jgqJM4m pic.twitter.com/vsV39kHuVM
As the window approaches its end, Celtic will want to keep all their starters at Parkhead. A recently rejected bid for Arne Engels from Nottingham Forest proved that clubs are interested, and now, reports are coming out that two European outfits impressed by the performances of a Celtic centre-back are planning a late push.
It broke yesterday that Serie A sides Fiorentina and Lazio are interested in making a move for Hoops defender Austin Trusty, with a late bid being genuinely considered. His performances this season have clearly caught the eye, and he's a player that Celtic won't want to lose this late into the window.
Trust in Trusty
Trusty has been a regular feature in this Celtic side since Martin O'Neill came in, with Wilfried Nancy continuing to favour the defender over others during his short stint at the club. The faith in the American has paid off, with him being solid at the back. The only blip was during Celtic's Premiership clash with Hearts, when he was shown red after a controversial VAR decision.
Fiorientina will be excited about the prospect of bringing him to the club, as they currently sit 18th in the Serie A table after a difficult start to the season.
Lazio may be the more appealing option should Trusty decide to go, as they sit in 8th place, albeit some way behind the top six.
It seems unlikely that if a bid were to come in for Trusty, Celtic would do anything other than reject it, considering they already aren't in a great position defensively. With Liam Scales and Trusty being starters while Cameron Carter-Vickers is injured, they would have to rely on Dane Murray or Welsh should the American head for Italy.
Celtic switch-up bodes well for Stephen Welsh
Although it was said that Celtic weren't looking to reinforce their defensive options, these new reports change everything. Stephen Welsh's chances of being sent back to Motherwell have just increased tenfold, with the defender being called back earlier this month due to injuries.
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has expressed interest in the Scotsman, and fans of the Well were impressed by his performances this season. They were gutted to see him go, so he would be welcomed back at Fir Park with open arms.