Just in: Anthony Joseph… Celtic transfer… Read more
Anthony Joseph… Celtic transfer… Read more
Anthony Joseph has provided an update on Celtic’s transfer activities, specifically regarding Stephen Welsh’s potential move to KV Mechelen.
Last month, Joseph reported interest from the Belgian Pro League club in taking Welsh on loan.
However, as the SPFL season began, Welsh remained on the bench for Celtic’s match against Kilmarnock.
During the summer, Celtic added Gus Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki to their squad, but neither made a significant impact.
Instead, Liam Scales became a regular starter due to injuries to Welsh, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Nawrocki.
Despite Nat Phillips’ brief stint with the club, there have been no other defensive changes during the transfer window, and Welsh remains integral to the team’s plans.
On Tuesday, Joseph shared on Sky Sports’ transfer blog that Celtic informed KV Mechelen Welsh is not available for transfer at this time.
Celtic is still evaluating their center-back options and doesn’t want to lose Welsh yet.
Meanwhile, Celtic is open to offers for center-backs Gustaf Lagerbielke and Yuki Kobayashi.
Lagerbielke has attracted interest from several Italian clubs, while St Mirren is interested in Kobayashi.
Celtic is also considering loan offers for Nawrocki, who is currently injured.
The Scottish champions are likely to seek a new center-back if they can offload some of their fringe players.
Manager Brendan Rodgers prefers to work with a core group of four center-backs.
Potential departures could include Dane Murray and Bosun Lawal.
So far, the only outfield addition to the squad that won last season’s double is Paulo Bernardo, whose future with the team is uncertain after his loan spell last season.
Rodgers has been patient in his public comments on transfers and will likely address the media again on Friday ahead of Sunday’s match against Hibernian.
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