With less than a week left in the January transfer window, it is safe to say that Celtic have left themselves with a lot of work to do, and have not done nearly enough so far. Coming into the new year, the expectation was that the Hoops would make several additions to the squad. Those were only further heightened after the club were left with no choice but to sack Wilfried Nancy, after he managed two wins in eight games, and bring back Martin O'Neill for another interim run.
O'Neill has done the best that he can with the players that are available. That being said, it is very clear that he needs more help in order to guide this team to any sort of silverware this season.
One position where Celtic are expected to strengthen before deadline day is centre-back. But if they are successful in that, it could result in the departure of somebody else.
Stephen Welsh was brought back from Motherwell this month, cutting short his loan deal. But it looks like that was only done as an emergency measure, and the academy graduate is not being viewed as a long-term solution.
Celtic tipped to make U-turn and let player leave on one condition
As reported by the Daily Record, Scott Burns said regarding Celtic's search for a centre-back and the future of Welsh:
"Yes, Celtic will add again. Another central defender has become a priority. They wanted to bring another centre half in and that will now be accelerated after Auston Trusty’s red card.
"Shaun Maloney and the recruitment team are primarily looking at loans or loans with options in the first instance. I don’t see Celtic making too many permanent signings in this window.
"They have brought back Stephen Welsh back from Motherwell but it doesn’t look like he is going to get his chance under Martin O’Neill.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if another goalkeeper and a winger or attacking midfielder was brought in. There should be one or two arrivals before the close of the window. I would also expect Welsh to return to Motherwell if Celtic can get an early deal done."
Welsh has never really managed to establish himself in the Celtic first-team picture. He got a few chances in the 20/21 campaign, when the Hoops finished 25 points behind the Rangers in the league and ended up trophyless.
Since then, at best, Welsh has been viewed as a backup option, whether that he under Ange Postecoglou or Brendan Rodgers. And now, it looks like he might not be rated by O'Neill either.
So, leaving the club on a permanent basis could be the best step for him. That might not be on the cards this winter. But going back on loan to Motherwell would be a decent secondary option. And in the long run, Welsh needs to be targeting a move away from Parkhead for good, while Celtic need to bring in a starting-level centre-back before this transfer window slams shut on February 2.