The January transfer window is almost upon us. The rumours of new Celtic signings, departures, and possible loan deals are swirling. Let’s hope we can see some early deals confirmed rather than it all being towards the end of the month. This squad needs immediate addition of quality, and cannot afford to let things drag on for long with important games coming up, including the Glasgow Derby on the 3rd.
We’ve already heard that as far as exits are concerned, a move back to Japan for Hayato Inamura is close to conclusion. While we wait to hear about ways to strengthen the squad, one possible step to bolster the defensive options now looks unlikely.
That relates to the possible return of Stephen Welsh from his loan spell at Motherwell. The Celtic academy graduate went there on loan in the summer. It followed a time out on loan at Belgian club KV Mechelen last season.
Welsh has now established himself as a starting player in Motherwell's line-up. But with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston both injured, Liam Scales seemingly falling out of favour, and Anthony Ralston struggling with the three-at-the-back approach, recalling the Scotsman from that loan seemed a potential option.
Celtic set to confirm continuation of Welsh loan at Motherwell
As reported by the Daily Record, Celtic have given Welsh the green light to see out the season at Motherwell. Wilfried Nancy had considered recalling the 25-year-old but feels he would benefit from staying out and playing regular first-team football.
Nancy has been busy reviewing his squad of late. That includes the extensive injury list, available players in his squad, those away at AFCON, and all those out on loan, like Welsh or Luis Palma, for example. The question over whether the centre-back should be recalled, and perhaps a similar decision for the Honduran winger, just goes to show how shallow the squad depth is at the moment.
Walsh, over the years, hasn’t shown enough to secure a place in the first-team rotation. His loan moves away seemed sensible ahead of a potential departure at some point. To suggest his return to improve the squad underlines the poor all-around quality at the moment.
While it seems likely most fans will support a decision for Welsh to remain on loan, they will still be looking for more quality to be added. Those injuries to Carter-Vickers and Johnston aren’t short-term, and an urgent fix is needed in defence. The loanee isn’t the answer, but something else is still needed there. Let’s hope a decision for the Scotsman to remain on loan is backed by knowledge of better alternatives arriving.