I’D NEVER – GREG TAYLOR MAKES MOCKERY OF RANGERS AS HE COMMITS FUTURE TO CELTIC WITH NEW DEAL
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Celtic’s stalwart left-back Greg Taylor has quashed speculation about a sensational switch to rivals Rangers, opting instead to pledge his future to the Hoops with a new contract. The 27-year-old Scotland international, whose current deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, has reportedly been offered a bumper new contract by Celtic, a clear statement of intent from the Premiership champions to keep one of their most consistent performers at Parkhead.
Taylor’s decision comes amid a whirlwind of rumors that linked him with a jaw-dropping move across Glasgow to Ibrox, a transfer that would have broken a 119-year barrier since the last direct first-team signing between the Old Firm rivals. Pundits like Kris Boyd and Michael Stewart fueled the speculation, with Boyd suggesting Rangers should “have a conversation” with Taylor, citing his experience and reliability as a Scotland international. Stewart, while acknowledging Taylor’s quality, questioned whether the player would entertain such a move given the fierce rivalry.
However, Taylor, a former Rangers youth player who was released by the club in 2014 for being “too small and too slight,” has made a mockery of those rumors by choosing to stay with Celtic, the club where he has flourished since joining from Kilmarnock in 2019 for £1 million. His decision is a testament to his loyalty and a stinging rebuke to those who thought he might cross the divide. As one Celtic fan put it on social media, “Greg Taylor to Rangers? I’d never! He’s green and white through and through.”
Since arriving at Celtic, Taylor has become a cornerstone of the team under managers Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou, and now Brendan Rodgers. With over 200 appearances, nine goals, and 32 assists, he has played a pivotal role in Celtic’s dominance, securing 11 major trophies, including four league titles and a quadruple treble. His versatility, tenacity, and ability to play as an inverted full-back have earned him praise, with Rodgers describing him as a “midfield player coming from that outside position” who “competes in duels” and “wins headers” despite his smaller stature.
Taylor’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Signed as a replacement for Kieran Tierney, he initially struggled to win over fans, with some viewing him as a downgrade. Yet, as former Celtic star Kris Commons noted in 2022, Taylor has become “the most improved player in Scotland,” silencing doubters with his consistent performances and leadership on the pitch. A behind-the-scenes documentary last season further endeared him to supporters, showcasing his dressing-room presence and a cheeky swipe at Rangers after Celtic’s 5-0 thrashing of Kilmarnock sealed the title.
The notion of Taylor joining Rangers was always a long shot, but it gained traction as his contract neared its end. With Kieran Tierney set to return to Celtic on a pre-contract from Arsenal, some speculated that Taylor might seek regular football elsewhere, with Rangers touted as a potential destination due to their need for a reliable left-back over Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz. Ally McCoist, while admitting Taylor could “play in the team,” dismissed the move as “madness” given Rangers’ existing options and more pressing priorities.
Celtic fans, meanwhile, laughed off the rumors. The Celtic Blog called the speculation “an utter embarrassment” to Rangers, arguing that signing a player Celtic “no longer wants” would reflect poorly on their rivals’ ambitions….
