If a report from The Herald (as cited by The Daily Record) is true, Celtic could bring Greg Taylor back to Parkhead to challenge and cover Kieran Tierney for the left-back spot. After a difficult first season at PAOK, the Scotsman does not seem to be in new boss Alessio Lisci’s plans, with Jonathan Gomez and Baba Rahman ahead of him in the pecking order at Toumba Stadium.
The 28-year-old Tartan Army international progressed through Rangers and Kilmarnock’s academy ranks before securing a key first-team status in East Ayrshire. The Hoops eventually snapped him up in the summer of 2019 following Tierney’s move to Arsenal. After featuring as the understudy to Boli Bolingoli early in the campaign, Taylor soon cemented a key first-team status and went on to feature 216 times until his contract expired last summer.
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However, the fullback made only 18 appearances upon joining PAOK on a Bosman. He has not been involved in either leg of their Europa League second-round qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv, fuelling speculation amid interest from the Celts. But the Scottish champions are not alone in the race, with clubs from the English Championship and the MLS also keeping tabs on his situation in Greece.
Why Celtic Must Make The Call
Taylor enjoyed his best years under Ange Postecoglou, who deployed him as an inverted winger in his attacking set-up. His exit prompted Celtic to bring Tierney back, but the Scottish ace could now complement his fellow compatriot, having replaced each other in the recent past. Martin O’Neill’s fullbacks generally maintain traditional wide defensive and supporting responsibilities, and the PAOK outcast must adapt to a different tactical landscape if the club decide to secure his services in due time.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 07: Greg Taylor of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Kilmarnock FC at Celtic Park Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Celtic tried to retain Marcelo Saracchi after his impressive season-long loan from Boca Juniors. A move collapsed after both sides failed to reach an agreement, and the Bhoys seem to have given up on James Penrice and Mitchel Bakker, with the latter likely to join Marseille instead.
Will Ferry of Dundee United remains a target; however, Taylor’s return should boost them defensively, as he is expected to slot straight into the fray. Tierney has often struggled with fitness issues, which further highlights the necessity of a quality alternative down the left. Celtic have fixture congestion due to domestic and European engagements, and the gaffer must manage their minutes carefully to avoid injury concerns. The Hoops will host Dundee on Monday night to kickstart their title defence, and it remains to be seen whether a deal for the Scot is wrapped up by this weekend.
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