Toulouse admits defeat in pursuit of Celtic goal hero Stephen Welsh | OneFootball

Anthony Joseph from Sky Sports has reported that French side Toulouse have now ceased in their pursuit of Celtic defender Stephen Welsh. We reported on The Celtic Star last week of the Ligue 1 club’s continued interest in the Scotland U-21 international. They offered a season-long loan deal with an option-to-buy included for £3.5 million.

However, Ange Postecoglou and the Hoops’ heirarchy dismissed the proposal – rejecting it outright and giving Christopher Jullien’s former employers short shrift when it comes to encouragement of a second offer. The deal would make zero sense and it would cost much more just to replace the youngster in thus current squad.

As Ange Postecoglou has said on numerous occasions, Welsh is seen as a vital part of this team and his capacity for growth and improvement is getting bigger by every passing game and training session. He even referred to Welsh this week as having “gone up a level” in his training this year and it showed against the Dons yesterday.

Welsh not only scored but looked mightily assured in possession, whilst for being on the shorter side for a centre-back, he commands well in the air – as evidenced by his lovely glancing header. Matt O’Riley’s delivery for the goal was also superb and he even joked on Instagram afterwards it was hard to miss Welsh’s “meat-head”.

Meanwhile, Joseph took to social media also to convey the message loud and clear that Welsh is not for sale and that Tolouse have gotten the message in this respect. The Scotland U-21 captain certainly has his admirers in Europe because as recently as January Udinese of Italy made an offer to take Welsh to Serie A where former Celt Liam Henderson now resides.

They were also rebuffed by Postecoglou as he obviously has loft ambitions when it comes to young ‘Welshy’ as the manager calls him. With plenty of competition for places at the back, it looks like it could be the fiercest area of the team to get in this coming campaign. Carl Starfelt is going to have a fight on his hands when he’s fully fit again, that much is certain.

Paul Gillespie

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