Stephen Welsh is set to leave Celtic after agreeing to terminate his contract early, with Swansea City closing in on a multi-year deal for the defender. The 26-year-old had other options in the English Championship and an offer from Major League Soccer, but has chosen to join the Welsh outfit.
Move to the Championship
Welsh, who still had a year left on his Celtic contract, will walk away from that for a fresh challenge in England's second tier. Several Championship sides were keen, along with strong interest from Europe and the Scottish Premiership, but Welsh has decided that Swansea is his next destination.
Swansea boss Vitor Matos, Jurgen Klopp's former assistant at Liverpool, has made a big push for the Scot and convinced Welsh that the Swans should be his next move.
Standout loan at Motherwell
Welsh comes off a brilliant loan at Motherwell last season, where he was a standout and one of the top defenders in Scotland. That form put him firmly on Swansea's radar. He indirectly helped Celtic in the title race as part of a Motherwell side which beat Rangers at Ibrox and drew with Hearts.
Celtic career
Welsh came through the youth ranks at Celtic and was part of squads that won three Premierships, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups. He also had other loans at Morton and Mechelen during his time at Parkhead. Martin O'Neill, who will remain in charge of the champions next season, recalled Welsh in January from Motherwell but agreed to let him return to Fir Park for the second half of the season.
Welsh is ready for the next step in his career and will leave his boyhood club to join Swansea City.
