Rangers’ New Sporting Director Opens Up on Greg Taylor Talks Amid Transfer Speculation
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Rangers’ newly appointed sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, has revealed details of a conversation with Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, fueling speculation about a potential transfer that could see the Scotland international cross the Old Firm divide. Thelwell, who officially joined Rangers from Everton on April 23, 2025, wasted no time addressing one of the most controversial transfer rumors of the summer, as Taylor’s contract with Celtic nears its end.
A Bold Appointment and a Bolder Conversation
Kevin Thelwell’s appointment as Rangers’ sporting director was confirmed amid productive discussions with the club’s board and the incoming 49ers Enterprises-led consortium, which is set to complete a transformative takeover of the Ibrox club. Thelwell, known for his extensive experience in English football, brings a reputation for strategic recruitment and a no-nonsense approach to squad building. His arrival signals Rangers’ intent to overhaul their squad and close the gap on rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
However, it’s Thelwell’s early comments on Greg Taylor that have grabbed headlines. Speaking to the press shortly after his appointment, Thelwell confirmed he had spoken with the 27-year-old defender, who is set to become a free agent when his Celtic contract expires in the summer of 2025. “Greg is a quality player, a Scotland international, and someone who knows the demands of playing at the highest level in this country,” Thelwell said. “We had a brief conversation about his future, and I made it clear that Rangers are an ambitious club looking to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts. He’s a professional, and we’ll see where things go.”
The idea of Greg Taylor swapping Celtic’s green and white hoops for Rangers’ royal blue has been a topic of heated debate in recent weeks. Pundits such as Kris Boyd, Craig Moore, and Michael Stewart have publicly backed the move, citing Taylor’s consistency, experience, and status as a Scottish player as assets for Rangers. Boyd, a Rangers legend “
Thelwell’s conversation with Taylor underscores his proactive approach to recruitment, but it also highlights the challenges he faces. Rangers’ current left-back options, Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte, have struggled to win over fans, with speculation surrounding Yilmaz’s future and doubts about Jefte’s readiness. Taylor, with nearly 40 European appearances and a proven track record at Celtic, could provide the stability and heart that Rangers have lacked in recent seasons.
Moreover, Taylor’s history with Rangers adds an intriguing layer to the saga. Having spent six years in the club’s youth academy before being released for being “too small and too slight,” Taylor could fulfill a personal ambition by returning to Ibrox. His familiarity with the club’s culture and UEFA’s homegrown player quotas make him an even more attractive prospect.
However, Thelwell must navigate the delicate dynamics of the Old Firm rivalry. While he downplayed the controversy, stating, “Football moves on, and players make decisions based on their careers,” he acknowledged that any move would need to be carefully managed to avoid alienating fans. Ally McCoist, while supportive of Taylor’s ability…
