Celtic Recalls Welsh, Stalls Ta Bi Deal, Eyes Laquintana

Celtic Football Club has recalled defender Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell, while a potential deal for winger Jocelin Ta Bi has stalled due to medical concerns, prompting the club to pursue an alternative target in Ignacio Laquintana as the January transfer window progresses.

The recall of the 25-year-old Welsh, announced on Monday, ends a productive spell at Motherwell, where he made 17 appearances and helped the team sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic triggered a clause in his season-long loan agreement, bringing him back to Parkhead amid defensive shortages. The club has been without key center-back Cameron Carter-Vickers due to a long-term injury, and officials see Welsh as a potential solution for the right-sided defensive role. During his time at Motherwell, Welsh demonstrated strong defensive contributions, including 1.53 interceptions and 3.42 recoveries per 90 minutes, along with a 92 percent passing accuracy, according to performance data. However, the move has drawn criticism from some supporters, who argue it could limit his playing time and development at Celtic, where competition for places is fierce.

In a separate development, Celtic's...