FIRST Done Deal: Celtic completes transfer of 24-year-old player

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has completed a loan move to Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen, with the Scottish champions confirming that they have accepted an offer for the 24-year-old.

Welsh, who has played just twice for Celtic this season, will join KV Mechelen on a six-month loan deal, with the option for the Belgian side to make the move permanent in the summer.

The defender, who has been with Celtic since he was a youngster, has found himself down the pecking order at Parkhead, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales all ahead of him in the queue for a starting spot.

As a result, Welsh has been allowed to leave the club on loan, with Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou keen to give the defender the opportunity to get regular game-time and develop his skills.

Welsh himself has expressed his excitement at the move, telling KV Mechelen’s website: “I want to fight my way into the team as soon as possible. They have shown for some time that they would like to have me there. I am delighted to be able to sign for this great club.”

The defender also stated that he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Belgian Pro League, saying: “In the coming months, I want to fight together with the team and the supporters and achieve great results. I am looking forward to it!”

Celtic, meanwhile, have wished Welsh all the best for his loan spell, with the club stating: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club wishes Stephen all the best in his loan spell at KV Mechelen.”

The move is likely to be seen as a positive one for all parties involved, with Welsh getting the opportunity to play regular football, KV Mechelen gaining a talented young defender, and Celtic allowing one of their squad players to develop his skills and potentially increase his value.

Welsh’s departure is also likely to have implications for Celtic’s squad, with the club potentially looking to bring in a replacement for the defender. However, with the transfer window still in its early stages, it remains to be seen whether Celtic will make any significant signings in the coming weeks.

One thing is certain, however: Welsh’s move to KV Mechelen is a great opportunity for the defender to showcase his skills and potentially earn a permanent move to the Belgian side. With his contract at Celtic running until the summer, Welsh will be keen to make a good impression and secure his future.

As for Celtic, the club will be hoping that Welsh’s departure will not have a significant impact on their squad. With a number of talented defenders already at the club, Celtic are well-equipped to deal with Welsh’s absence, and the club will be confident that they can continue to compete at the top level without him.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with a number of players in the transfer window, with the club reportedly interested in signing a new striker. However, with the club’s squad already looking strong, it remains to be seen whether Celtic will make any significant signings in the coming weeks.

One thing is certain, however: Celtic will be looking to continue their good form in the second half of the season, with the club currently sitting top of the Scottish Premiership. With a number of tough games coming up, Celtic will need to be at their best if they are to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Key points:

• Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has completed a loan move to Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen.
• The 24-year-old will join KV Mechelen on a six-month loan deal, with the option for the Belgian side to make the move permanent in the summer.
• Welsh has played just twice for Celtic this season and has found himself down the pecking order at Parkhead.
• Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has allowed Welsh to leave the club on loan in order to give him the opportunity to get regular game-time and develop his skills.
• Welsh has expressed his excitement at the move, saying: “I want to fight my way into the team as soon as possible.”
• Celtic have wished Welsh all the best for his loan spell, saying: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club wishes Stephen all the best in his loan spell at KV Mechelen.”