So far, Celtic have not had an easy time getting deals over the line in this January transfer window. Unfortunately, that is not an unfamiliar story if you have been following the Hoops for any considerable length of time. A move for Jocelin Ta Bi has been on the verge of completion for days, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet. On the other hand, it looks like the club have stepped back from trying to sign Niko Sigur after Wilfried Nancy was sacked as manager.
The Hoops do need to make additions to their squad this winter though, if they are to have any hope of turning things around in the title race and clinching the league title come May. Martin O'Neill needs some help.
That will come in the form of a familiar face. It is an unexpected move, as it had been claimed earlier in the month that Celtic had decided against it when Nancy was the manager.
As reported by Sky Sports, Celtic have recalled Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell. The club had until January 14 to decide whether to recall the centre-back, but it was looking unlikely under Nancy.
Sky Sports confirm Celtic transfer return out of nowhere
Welsh enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Motherwell. Earlier, it was believed that the Hoops were even open to considering offers for him this month.
The situation seems to have changed following the return of O'Neill. The manager has made it very clear that he needs reinforcements.
If they won't be provided in the form of fresh signings, O'Neill will have to look towards other creative routes. The decision to bring back Welsh is certainly one of those.
In the past, we have seen him struggle to get into the team. But he has been on two consecutive loan spells now, at KV Mechelen and Motherwell. So, Welsh might very well be a much better player now than he was in the past.
For now, this will be viewed as a short-term fix for Celtic. But if Welsh is able to do well over the next six months, he might have a long-term future at the club. You never know in football.