Plymouth Argyle are in advanced talks with Celtic over a deal to sign Stephen Welsh on loan for the 2025/26 season — with the agreement expected to include an option to buy, according to Mark Hendry and Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph.
The 25-year-old centre-back is down the pecking order under Brendan Rodgers following Celtic’s summer business and could now move south for regular football. The proposed move would allow Welsh to compete for promotion from League One with Plymouth, while potentially securing a permanent return to English football if the option is triggered.
A proven defender with top-flight and European pedigree
Welsh spent the second half of last season on loan at Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen, making 17 appearancesand impressing with his composure, discipline, and positional intelligence. He picked up just two yellow cards during his stint and earned praise for his consistency.
Celtic have since reinforced their backline with the arrivals of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City and Hayato Inamura, pushing Welsh further down the depth chart. Mechelen had hoped to sign him permanently earlier in the window but failed to reach an agreement with the Scottish champions.
Now, Plymouth Argyle have emerged as the frontrunners. The club is rebuilding under new boss Tom Cleverleyfollowing relegation from the Championship last season and is focused on adding proven leaders at the back.
Experienced at every level
Welsh has made 68 senior appearances for Celtic and has a decorated record in Scotland, having lifted four Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and three League Cups. He has also featured 31 times for Scotland’s youth teams.
Celtic tied Welsh to a four-year contract in 2023, so a loan with an option to buy represents a structured approach that suits all parties — giving Argyle a high-quality addition while offering Celtic a potential long-term solution for a squad reshuffle.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Belgian Pro League (KV Mechelen):
• 17 appearances, 1 goal, 0 assists
• 1,487 minutes played, 17 starts
• Average match rating: 6.88
• Percentile rank among Pro League CBs:
• 83rd for aerial duels won
• 79th for clearances per 90
• 76th for pass accuracy
🟩 ZONE RUMOURED
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