Brendan Rodgers has addressed Greg Taylor’s contract situation at Celtic as he looks to secure the long-term future of another first-team prize asset.
The Scotland international is into the final year of his deal at Parkhead, though there has been little in the way of progress on that front over the last few months.
Before the recent international break, Brendan Rodgers signalled his to tie down Greg Taylor at Celtic for the long-term, heralding the importance of his influential nature within the dressing room and paying tribute to his ‘specialist’ role in the side.
With 187 appearances to his name for the Bhoys, the 27-year-old has registered eight goals and 29 assists and is now among the senior core in the building, claiming nine winners’ medals.
Nevertheless, Taylor penning an extension to his Celtic terms is a firm priority on Rodgers’ wishlist, and the Irishman once again addressed his situation today in his pre-match press conference before facing Hearts.
Brendan Rodgers on Greg Taylor’s Celtic contract situation
Speaking earlier today, Rodgers revealed that he is ‘very hopeful’ that Celtic can come to an agreement with Taylor over a new contract, but conceded that nothing is ‘close’ at this moment.
He stated: “I don’t think there’s anything close, but I repeat, it’s definitely something I want to do, but I have to respect both sides on that. From Greg’s side, from the club’s side, from a managerial side, I really want him to stay here, and I really hope we can do everything we can to keep him, but I also respect Greg’s position.
“There’s no drop-off with him because he’s such a great trainer, he’s (got) a great mentality. If he didn’t renew, I know until the very last day here, he will give absolutely everything, but I’m very hopeful we can sign him.
“He’s been developed here; his skillset suits how we work on the pitch, and he’s a brilliant passer of the ball. His view of the game is so good; he plays that inverted role really well for us; off the pitch, he’s a real pillar of the group, and we want to continue with that.
“We don’t want to be moving players like that on; we want to keep those players if they want to stay, so hopefully over time we can get that done also.”
Decision time is approaching for Greg Taylor at Celtic
With the New Year approaching, Celtic left-back Taylor will be free to speak to clubs in January over signing a pre-contract elsewhere, so his future really needs to be resolved soon for the benefit of all parties.
On the face of it, he may want to keep his options open, seeing as his next contract will likely be the last payday while still in his peak years as a footballer.
Celtic boss Rodgers has reiterated his desire to keep hold of the Scotland international on several occasions. However, Taylor has been in Glasgow for a long time, so it remains to be seen whether he fancies committing his future for the long-term.
Hopefully, he can make the right choice by signing on the dotted line. His quality and experience have proven invaluable for the Bhoys, but decision time is fast approaching.
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