A year on from his Celtic exit, Greg Taylor remains a divisive figure among fans.
For some, Taylor became the poster boy of the team’s lack of progression. Others saw him as a vital, if unglamourous, cog in a dominant squad.
Many felt that it made perfect sense for the 27-year-old to make way for the much-anticipated arrival of Kieran Tierney last summer.
But here we are, a year on, debating whether or not he too should come back for a second spell.
👀 Should Martin O’Neill bring Greg Taylor back to Celtic?
Greg Taylor: A proven Celtic left-back, but not Marcelo Saracchi
Taylor made over 200 appearances over six years at Celtic, winning 11 trophies, including two trebles.
But unlike other home-based “team players” such as Anthony Ralston and Luke McCowan, he was viewed by several managers as an indispensable starter.
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As Celtic registered one of their best-ever points totals in the 2022-23 season, only Callum McGregor played more minutes.
This was easily Taylor’s best campaign in a Celtic shirt – and it’s no coincidence that it came under Ange Postecoglou.
He made the inverted left-back role his own under the Aussie, whose system mitigated his weaknesses (pace, physicality) and highlighted his strengths (passing, movement).
Taylor is a former midfielder, after all.
The major questions are not over his contributions in his initial spell, however. He would be coming in as a replacement for Marcelo Saracchi, a completely different type of left-back
Taylor’s qualities shine through when he is tactically accommodated. If Martin O’Neill wants a left-back to play the same role as the Uruguayan, a return is a non-starter.
If he wants the team to restore some of the characteristics they lost over the course of last season, Taylor coming back would be an excellent piece of business.
But does he fancy it?
Taylor asked to be left out of PAOK’s squad due to personal reasons on Thursday, but there has been no suggestion that this is due to a transfer.
Regardless, he has recently discussed the possibility of a return.
Who is to blame for Marcelo Saracchi not returning to Celtic? 🤔
The left-back has made his feelings clear….👀🍀
Greg Taylor on returning to Scotland and Celtic
The 28-year-old was asked on Charlie Mulgrew’s Pitch to Par whether he would consider returning to Scotland, replying: “I think I’d be open to everything.
“I’ve got two years left on my contract in Greece, I’d love to be a success out there.
“But if that didn’t materialise, I’d be open to anything. I’ve moved abroad now, I’ve enjoyed that aspect of it.
“I loved playing in Scotland… so honestly, who knows in a career? You know it can change like that, both ways. But I would love to make a success of it in Greece and see where that takes me.”
Quizzed on coming back to Celtic in particular, he continued: “Pfft… yeah, again in football, you never say with anything.
“Celtic’s an amazing club, but I’ve got two years left at PAOK, and I want to make that be a success there.
“But who knows. I would never say no to anything. I would be open to everything.”
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