Celtic’s left-back Greg Taylor faces uncertainty about his future as speculation circulates about his potential move to Dinamo Zagreb. Reports this week from Croatian media suggested Taylor had already agreed to join the Croatian club, but Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers firmly dismissed those claims.
Rodgers, who has been vocal about his desire to retain Taylor, said at a recent press conference, "My feeling will be to still to hope to convince Greg to be here." He underscored Taylor's professionalism and importance to the squad, saying, "Of course, as the longer this goes on, the less optimistic I can be. But it doesn’t change his professionalism. He is a brilliant professional." These comments came amid growing concerns as Kieran Tierney, Taylor's predecessor and fan favorite, is set to return to Celtic from Arsenal, where he has been playing.
The impending arrival of Tierney poses complications for Taylor, who has been the first-choice left-back at Celtic for nearly six years, securing his place through various challenges from incoming players. Rodgers acknowledged the dynamic by stating, "He (Taylor) knows Kieran well and knows his qualities and abilities. But there still can be room for two of them here. There’s absolutely no doubt." With upwards of 55 games scheduled for Celtic each season, he emphasized the necessity of having two top players for the left-back position to maintain competitiveness and player health.
Despite being regarded as one of the best left-backs currently playing, Taylor's concerns about Tierney's return seem to be impacting his decision to commit to Celtic long-term. His current contract expires at the end of the season, making him eligible to negotiate with other clubs, including those interested outside of Scotland.
Rodgers continues to believe Taylor can thrive alongside Tierney, arguing, "To have two players of quality here would be absolutely brilliant for the club, for the team and obviously for the changing room. That’s probably what Greg has to think about." This sentiment reinforces the notion of the club's reliance on depth during the long, grueling season.
Taylor's stand-out performances ever since joining Celtic from Kilmarnock have won him fans and respect within the squad. Once viewed critically, Taylor's hard work and consistent form mean he now holds significant value with 200 appearances and several trophies under his belt, winning four titles during his time with the club. The question remains—will he choose to stay amid fresh competition for his position?
Reports linking him to Dinamo Zagreb suggest they are ready to utilize his talents, yet reflecting on his time at Celtic may influence his decision. Many players have left Celtic only to discover their new environments not as welcoming or rewarding as expected. Regarding the rumors swirling, Rodgers noted, "I know there was interest there back in January… but it was nothing ever concrete or spoken about too much."
The ball is firmly now in Taylor’s court as to how he will perceive his future, particularly considering his options as he weighs the potential of remaining at Celtic, where he has etched his name, against the allure of starting anew.
While the return of Tierney should invigorate the squad, it also adds layers of complexity to Taylor's decision-making process. Given the high-profile nature of Celtic, Taylor could expect to feature prominently, particularly with significant Champions League fixtures on the horizon. Taylor's resolve will be tested heading forward—he is set to start during the next Champions League match against Bayern Munich at Celtic Park, showcasing his abilities to the gathered fans and global audience.
Stay tuned as Taylor’s decision looms and if the arrival of Tierney enhances or detracts from his Celtic legacy. The situation certainly makes for fascinating viewing for fans and sports analysts alike.