Greg Taylor has decided to bring his Celtic career to an end and move on to Greek side PAOK, two weeks after Celtsarehere revealed the players was set for Greece.
After initial talks with PAOK — Taylor took his time considering his next move. A deal elsewhere had stalled, giving him room to deliberate with his young family over the life-changing choice.
There’s been expectation that the left-back would complete his deal sooner. Celtic were hopeful he would stay on, even as cover for returning Scotland international Kieran Tierney. But that glimmer of staying has now vanished.
Sky Sports reports that Taylor has a medical booked with PAOK in Greece, and barring any last-minute hitches, the move will be wrapped up within days.
July 1 will mark the official start of Taylor’s freedom, as his contract with Celtic expires at the end of June — just one week from now.
Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, made a genuine effort to retain him. Rodgers valued his versatility and experience. However, Taylor has chosen to hit a fresh challenge abroad. It’s clear both parties understood his decision; it was a matter of “when”, not “if”.
Taylor joined Celtic in 2019 from Kilmarnock and featured regularly under Rodgers and his predecessors, helping drive the club’s domestic success. Against that backdrop, the decision to move shows his desire to test himself internationally — and perhaps secure a new long-term future for his family.
With the PAOK medical scheduled and formalities underway, it appears the move is all-but-complete. For Celtic, his departure marks the end of a steady and reliable servant. For Taylor, though, the road is opening up to a fresh adventure.
We wish Greg Taylor nothing but the best in Thessaloniki and beyond.
