If a recent report from the Daily Mail is believed to be true, Celtic centre-half Stephen Welsh has emerged as a transfer target for Hellas Verona. But they are not alone in the hunt with Bologna also keeping close tabs on the youngster’s situation at Parkhead. Both the Serie A outfits have tapped the Scottish market in recent years and the Hoops’ academy starlet could now follow in the footsteps of Aaron Hickey, Josh Doig and Lewis Ferguson.
Verona scripted a lucky escape last season as they defeated Spezia in the playoffs. Most of their renowned names had a nightmare run, unlike Doig who impressed as a left wingback. The former Hibs star is drawing interest from Bologna over a potential player-plus-cash offer. However, his Scotland U21s teammate could be the latest Scot to ply his trade at Verona.
The 23-year-old centre-back progressed through the Bhoys’ esteemed youth setup before breaking into their senior side under Neil Lennon. While he was only offered a bit-part role since his debut, a couple of bids from Udinese and Toulouse were rejected by Ange Postecoglou. The former Celtic boss viewed him as part of his first-team plans but he was deployed only six times last season across competitions.
Moreover, the Aussie gaffer roped in Yuki Kobayashi back in winter and pushed Welsh further down the pecking order. Although it remains to be seen whether Brendan Rodgers hands him a regular role, the young defender must not waste his prime years as the fourth-choice behind Kobayashi, Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Why Celtic Should Sanction His Transfer
Rodgers, known for an attacking brand of football, prefers to build the game up from the back. He needs ball-playing defenders to execute his playing style and Welsh, more of an orthodox centre-back, might struggle to attune to the Northern Irishman’s demands. He still has a couple of years left in his current contract and a transfer this summer should boost Celtic financially ahead of a busy summer.
The Hoops conquered a domestic treble under Postecoglou and the challenge would be sterner for Rodgers to emulate his success in the coming days. Rangers are regaining momentum since Michael Beale’s appointment as the new Ibrox chief, also, the fans must be rooting for a better European run after years of disappointment. The manager, therefore, needs to bring in players who would bolster the squad in terms of quality and the champions of Scotland should sanction Welsh’s exit upon receiving an offer in due course of time.
