Aberdeen linked with January move for Celtic’s Stephen Welsh

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The Celtic Star

·10 January 2026

Aberdeen linked with January move for Celtic’s Stephen Welsh

Aberdeen have reportedly approached Celtic to explore the possibility of signing defender Stephen Welsh in the January transfer window…

The 25-year-old Celtic academy graduate is currently gaining regular minutes on loan at Motherwell, where he remains tied to the Hoops until 2027. Welsh has featured 16 times under head coach Jens Berthel Askou and has become an impressive presence in the back line, helping the Fir Park side push into fourth place in the Scottish Premiership.

Welsh did not feature in Motherwell’s 2-0 victory over Celtic at Fir Park in Wilfried Nancy’s penultimate game in charge due to eligibility issues.

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The Daily Record reports that Aberdeen, who are currently without a permanent manager, are assessing a move for Welsh with the intention of securing him on a permanent deal.

Any move would first require Celtic to activate a recall clause before 14 January, before negotiations could take place over a transfer fee.

Stephen Welsh of Motherwell, Dundee v Motherwell, Scottish Premiership, Dens Park, Dundee, 13 September 2025. Photo Neil Hanna IMAGO/Shutterstock

Former Celtic boss Nancy opted not to bring the defender back this month, despite injuries and form issues in the Hoops defence.

While Aberdeen continue their search for a new head coach, recently appointed sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel has indicated the club plans to place greater emphasis on recruiting domestic talent, a strategy that could align with a move for the Scotland-born defender.

29th July 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland: Pre Season Football Friendly, Celtic versus Wolverhampton Wanderers Stephen Welsh of Celtic FC on the ball. Photo ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

Pfannenstiel said: “Not having a manager during the January transfer window does not change our weaknesses as a team; it does not change the positions that we need to strengthen in.”

“We also need to have a certain trust and belief in our players that they develop, that they get better.”

“We do need to be better, we need to find a clear way, and some new players are a normal thing. I don’t believe in having massive changes in winter because it makes it very difficult for the current players and coaching staff to find some rhythm if you have too many new faces.”

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