It is undeniable that Celtic have a habit of allowing transfer sagas to drag on for much longer than needed at times. On some occasions, it does work in their favour and they do end up getting a good deal. But also, there are numerous times when they end up missing out on potential targets or departures as a result of it.
Unfortunately, that has happened once again this summer. A player they were ready to part ways with might now end up staying at Parkhead, unless the Hoops can find him a new destination.
The player we are talking about is Stephen Welsh, the long-time Celtic defender who does not seem to have much of a future at Parkhead. So, a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs while it seems that Brendan Rodgers has plans to give Dane Murray more game time this season.
As reported by Sky Sports, Plymouth Argyle have ended their pursuit for Welsh. Celtic did give the green light to the loan move this week, but it came too late as the English club have moved on to other targets.
Sky Sports confirm last-minute Celtic transfer collapse
It is believed that the Scottish champions had held off from sanctioning Welsh's move due to their outgoing international loan situation. And that wait seems to have derailed any chances of it happening, at least when it comes to Plymouth Argyle.
It remains to be seen if another team ends up showing interest in signing Welsh, late in this summer transfer window. In the past, we have seen quite a few clubs try to sign him, including from the Serie A.
There is no doubt that Welsh is a talented defender who came through the Celtic academy. But he clearly does not have a future here.