Journalist Mark Hendry has reported that Celtic are close to wrapping up their business for the January window, with loan deals for Joel Mvuka and Benjamin Arthur expected to be the final additions.
The focus late on has been on improving the squad rather than numbers. Celtic have been working through medical issues, and the shape of the team heading into a busy run of the season. The aim has been to add where needed without creating new problems elsewhere.
18th January 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football, Auchinleck Talbot versus Celtic; Stephen Welsh of Celtic
Arthur’s loan fills a different gap. Injuries and movement at centre-back have left Celtic short of options, forcing the same players to start week in week out. Adding cover gives Martin O’Neill more flexibility, especially with away games and European ties putting strain on the back line.
Stephen Welsh’s situation ties into that picture. With Arthur coming in, Celtic are more comfortable allowing Welsh to leave on loan again. Motherwell offers him regular football, which matters more at this stage than sitting on the bench.
Joel Mvuka and Benjamin Arthur loans to end Celtic’s business of the window.
Stephen Welsh been told to hang fire until club give go ahead for him to move to Motherwell on loan again.
Expect that deal to be finalised.
— Mark Hendry (@mhendry92) February 2, 2026
Welsh has already shown he can perform at that level. A return there keeps him playing and sharp, rather than drifting through another half-season on the bench.
18th January 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football, Auchinleck Talbot versus Celtic; Stephen Welsh of Celtic on the ball
From Celtic’s side, the timing matters. Letting Welsh go before cover arrived would have been risky. Waiting until the incoming deals are settled shows how tightly this window has been managed.
If this really is the end of the window, it also tells its own story. Celtic have relied on loans rather than spending fees, patching gaps instead of committing long term.
Pace out wide and cover at the back have been added, but only on temporary terms, while a player needing minutes looks set to be moved on. It answers immediate problems, but it leaves bigger questions about longer-term planning untouched.
