Stephen Welsh has reportedly arrived in Belgium to finalize a move to KV Mechelen.
The 24-year-old Celtic defender became a target for the Belgian Pro League side shortly before Christmas, following their renewed interest after initial enquiries during the summer trßansfer window.
Brendan Rodgers, when addressing speculation about Welsh’s future, acknowledged that the player could leave on loan in the upcoming window.
However, Rodgers was quick to praise Welsh’s contributions to the team, highlighting his roots at the club.
“Stephen is very much part of the furniture here and a great member of our squad.
Naturally, we will have some in the squad who want to play games and Stephen may well be one of those players.
He’s a brilliant servant for us. The likes of him and Tony Ralston – who plays a little bit more than Stephen – are absolutely critical to the culture of the club.
Of course, sometimes they have to think about themselves and their careers. I’m pretty sure there will be some movement with players who want game time and we respect that.”
According to the Daily Record, Welsh has now landed in Belgium to complete his move. While the full details remain undisclosed, the centre-back will join Mechelen on a six-month loan deal without an option to buy, allowing him to return to Celtic next season with added game time and experience.
Welsh is contracted at Celtic until 2027 but has struggled for minutes this season, making just two appearances—one in the Premiership and the other in the Premier Sports Cup.
This isn’t the first time Welsh has come close to leaving; in January 2022, Udinese attempted to sign him on a loan-to-buy deal, but then-manager Ange Postecoglou turned down the offer.
Mechelen’s interest in Welsh stems from the departure of former Rangers and Aberdeen defender David Bates, who moved to Standard Liege.
For Welsh, this loan move presents an opportunity to gain valuable match experience before returning to Celtic Park to compete for a more prominent role.
