Swansea City are on the verge of securing their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Celtic defender Stephen Welsh poised to join the Championship side. The 26-year-old centre-back is expected to terminate his contract with the Scottish giants to seal a move to the Swansea.com Stadium.
Deal Nearing Completion
Reports from Scotland, initially published by the Daily Record, indicate that a multi-year contract is being discussed for Welsh, who has also attracted interest from other Championship clubs and Major League Soccer. WalesOnline understands these reports are accurate, with Swansea head coach Vitor Matos now closing in on his signature. Formalities are being finalised, and the move could be rubber-stamped in the coming days.
Welsh still had 12 months remaining on his Celtic contract, but he has agreed to rip up the deal to facilitate the transfer. The defender spent last season on loan at Motherwell, where he impressed, and previously had a loan stint at Morton during the 2019/20 season.
Defensive Reinforcement
Welsh is being brought in to provide additional defensive cover for Swansea. The club already has Ben Cabango and Cameron Burgess in central defence, but Ricardo Santos' future remains uncertain despite having a year left on his contract. Welsh's arrival will add competition and depth to the backline.
Welsh came through the youth ranks at Celtic and made his first-team debut in February 2020. He went on to play a key role in subsequent campaigns, including a loan spell at Mechelen in January 2025. He has also represented Scotland at under-21 level.
Busy Summer Ahead
Swansea are expected to be active in the transfer market over the coming months, with several areas identified for strengthening. Central defence is a priority, but the club also wants to add depth at left-back to support first-choice Josh Tymon. Additionally, wingers on both flanks are near the top of the wishlist.
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