Long-serving Celtic defender Greg Taylor is on the verge of leaving the club this summer, having reportedly agreed on a pre-contract with Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb. The 27-year-old left-back’s decision follows months of uncertainty over his contract situation at Celtic Park, where he has played for six successful seasons.
According to reports from Croatian outlet sportnet.hr, Taylor is set to join Dinamo Zagreb after the conclusion of the current season. He is in the final six months of his contract with Celtic, with manager Brendan Rodgers previously expressing hope for him to sign an extension.
“He is a brilliant servant,” said Rodgers, reflecting on Taylor’s contributions to the team. “I hope he can continue to be so throughout my time here and beyond.” Despite the manager’s intentions, the lack of agreement on improved contract terms has led Taylor to seek opportunities elsewhere.
With Taylor unable to finalize new terms with Celtic, the timing coincides with the anticipated return of Kieran Tierney, another left-back who made his mark at Celtic before moving to Arsenal. Fans and pundits alike have mixed feelings about Taylor’s departure. Some acknowledge his accolades and contributions, noting he has made over 200 appearances and won ten trophies—including four Scottish championships—while others lament the loss of such a valuable squad member.
Reports indicate the interest from Dinamo Zagreb has been serious for weeks, with the club actively pursuing Taylor as part of their reinforcement strategy. Italy's legendary defender, Fabio Cannavaro, who manages Dinamo Zagreb, has apparently positioned Taylor as a key addition to strengthen the left-back role.
The decision to pursue Taylor was influenced by his performance during Celtic’s UEFA Champions League campaign, highlighting his ability to master the inverted full-back role, which has become increasingly important under modern tactical systems.
While some fans have accepted Taylor’s departure as more of a natural progression, with the return of Tierney seemingly sealed, others are disappointed. “It’s a pity Celtic could not reach an agreement with Greg Taylor,” stated Paul Gillespie, noting Taylor’s significant impact on the club’s recent successes.
The transfer window also saw Celtic securing Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace on loan, adding more competition for the left-back position. Schlupp’s arrival strengthens the squad as they prepare for potential glamour ties, such as facing Bayern Munich, raising the stakes for Taylor to maintain his place until he departs.
Interest from other clubs was strong, but reports suggest Dinamo Zagreb had the most definitive offer, leading to the pre-contract agreement. Taylor’s camp confirmed the news, with Sportske novoste reporting, “It looks like one summer transfer has been resolved.”
While Taylor has his critics, many recognize his passion and commitment to the team—factors which have led to his enduring presence at Celtic. Strategic moves from management have been made, responding to the up-and-coming talents needed to keep Celtic competitive.
Rodgers remains focused on maintaining momentum throughout the remainder of the season, aiming to capitalize on their good form and continue their title challenge. With Celtic and supporters facing several transitions, the emphasis will be on balancing sentimentality for departing players with the promising potential of newcomers.
The upcoming summer will mark the end of Taylor’s tenure at Celtic Park, but as he prepares for his new challenge with Dinamo Zagreb, fans will undoubtedly reflect on his contributions with fondness. His departure signifies not just the end of one career chapter but also the continued evolution of the Celtic squad as they prepare for future ambitions.