What happened: Swansea City have reached an agreement to sign Celtic center-back Stephen Welsh on a free transfer. The 26-year-old defender reportedly agreed to an early termination of his contract in Glasgow to facilitate the move to South Wales on a two-year deal.

Why it matters: The move provides manager Vítor Matos with much-needed defensive reinforcement following Swansea's 11th-place finish in the Championship. Welsh, who revitalized his career on loan at Motherwell last season, chose the Swans over competing interest from the MLS and Ligue 1.

What to watch: Welsh is expected to join the squad for preseason training as he competes for a starting role in the Swans' backline.