{"id":418404,"date":"2026-01-20T09:16:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T09:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/418404\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T09:16:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T09:16:11","slug":"celtics-tawanda-maswanhise-interest-confirmed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/418404\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtic’s Tawanda Maswanhise ‘Interest’ Confirmed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed Celtic\u2019s<\/a> interest in Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise, with recent squad movement opening up an interesting possibility between the two clubs.<\/p>\n

Celtic are deep into the January window and remain active behind the scenes as Martin O\u2019Neill looks to reshape his squad for the second half of the season. Recruitment work has intensified following recent meetings at Lennoxtown, with senior figures aligned on the need to add quality and depth.<\/p>\n

While a striker remains the main focus, other areas are now clearly part of the discussion.<\/p>\n

One of those areas is out wide, and Maswanhise\u2019s name has come back into focus after Motherwell\u2019s Scottish Cup win over Ross County. The 23-year-old scored the winning goal at Fir Park, a match watched closely by O\u2019Neill and Mark Fotheringham from the stands. Their presence did not go unnoticed and added fuel to existing speculation.<\/p>\n

Maswanhise has been one of Motherwell\u2019s more consistent performers this season and has drawn attention for his direct style and end product. Celtic\u2019s interest is not new, but recent developments involving Stephen Welsh have shifted the context.<\/p>\n

Welsh\u2019s return to Celtic from Motherwell earlier this month has now created a narrow pathway for any further movement involving the defender.<\/p>\n

Welsh featured for Celtic against Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup, which under current registration rules means he can only join Motherwell if he leaves Celtic again this season. That detail has become important as both clubs consider their options. Celtic are understood to value Welsh at around \u00a3400,000, a figure that previously cooled Aberdeen interest.<\/a><\/p>\n

Joseph said: (Off the Underside Podcast<\/a>), \u201cThere\u2019s interest there, obviously, but whether it materialises in this window remains to be seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeltic also have a player that Motherwell would really love to have back in Stephen Welsh.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact he played against Auchinleck Talbot yesterday means the only other club he can join this season is Motherwell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see if that gets used as a bargaining tool.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Celtic need to sign a centre-back first.\u201d<\/p>\n

The quotes underline the balance Celtic are trying to strike as the window progresses. Any potential move involving Welsh would first depend on Celtic strengthening their own defensive options.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neill has been clear in recent weeks that he does not want to weaken the squad while still chasing results on multiple fronts.<\/p>\n

From Motherwell\u2019s side, there is no public indication they are looking to sell Maswanhise this month. Their manager Jens Berthel Askou has spoken about patience and timing when it comes to player sales. Still, interest from a club like Celtic inevitably changes the landscape, especially when a possible deal could include a familiar figure.<\/a><\/p>\n

The fact that O\u2019Neill and Fotheringham chose to spend their free Saturday at Fir Park has added weight to the story. While O\u2019Neill has described the visit as part of his normal duties, the timing and the player involved have kept speculation alive. Maswanhise\u2019s decisive goal only sharpened that focus.<\/p>\n

For Celtic, the appeal is clear. Maswanhise is already settled in Scottish football and has shown he can influence games at this level. He would not require a long adjustment period and could offer competition and energy in wide areas during a demanding run of fixtures.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Celtic\u2019s priorities remain layered. A centre-back signing appears to be a prioirty before any outgoing move involving Welsh is considered. That reality may slow progress, even if there is interest on both sides.<\/p>\n

\"\"18th January 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football, Auchinleck Talbot versus Celtic; Stephen Welsh of Celtic on the ball<\/p>\n

As things stand, no deal is close and no formal bid has been confirmed. What exists is interest, timing, and a set of conditions that would need to align. With the window moving quickly, the coming days will be important.<\/p>\n

For now, Celtic continue to explore options while keeping lines open. Maswanhise remains a player of interest rather than a deal in motion. Whether this situation develops into something more concrete will depend on how Celtic\u2019s wider plans unfold.<\/p>\n


\n \"Tees
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