Yahoo Sports 24y/o Celtic star plans talks with Rodgers as he eyes January exit – report
Celtic defender Stephen Welsh plans to hold talks with manager Brendan Rodgers over his long-term prospects as he wants to leave the Parkhead club in search of regular football next month, according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old has played just once this season for the Hoops and is keen to go elsewhere for more opportunities.
Celtic kept Welsh to bolster their homegrown quota for their European squad, but the former Scotland youth international has struggled to force his way into the plans of Rodgers.
He is currently behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Maik Nawrocki in the pecking order of the Hoops boss, and his chances of kicking a ball this season are as slim as they come.
Welsh is not the only Celtic player considering his future, with Nawrocki and Luis Palma also looking to leave in January.
The 23-year-old centre-back has also played only once in 2024-25 despite making 13 appearances last term and will not hesitate to move if an opportunity comes calling.
Rodgers wants to sign a left-sided wide man when the transfer window opens next month, and Antwerp winger and January transfer target Michel-Ange Balikwisha could be brought in if Palma is sold.
The Honduras international is without a goal or an assist in seven appearances this season and is struggling to get onto the pitch.
An exit in January could be best for both parties, and Celtic will not hesitate to bring in a direct replacement should Palma move on.
The Hoops could also look to sign a defender if they lose both Welsh and Nawrocki next month.
Rodgers will want to retain his squad depth as they challenge across three competitions in the second half of the campaign.
Completing the domestic treble by winning the Scottish Cup and Scottish Premiership after beating Rangers in the final of the Scottish League Cup last weekend will be next on their agenda, while they will hope to go far in Europe following a decent campaign in the Champions League.
