Celtic are seeking reinforcements in the transfer market as Brendan Rodgers looks to build on a successful first campaign back at Parkhead.
The goalkeeper position and securing depth in the forward areas have become priority pursuits for the club; nevertheless, the left-back situation is bound to generate conversation this summer.
Greg Taylor is the only player on the books right now who has quantifiable senior experience on the left-hand side of defence amid Alexandro Bernabei’s loan to Internacional for the remainder of 2024.
Intriguingly, the Scotland international only has a year left on his contract at Parkhead, and there has been no new movement regarding an extension in the public domain.
Despite the off-season being in full swing, there is a need for clarity once Brendan Rodgers and his group report back to Lennoxtown for pre-season.
What Brendan Rodgers said about Greg Taylor’s contract situation
Speaking in May, Celtic boss Rodgers addressed Taylor’s contract wrangle following news that Liam Scales had committed his future to the club, stating: “I’d love to keep Greg here. It’s something that we’ve spoken about. It’s obviously up to the club and the agent to try and resolve. In the meantime, Greg’s focus is very much on the team.
“I really, really like him as a person – he’s a good guy, he’s very hungry and committed. He’s very professional and he sacrifices a lot to be a footballer. That’s the type of people that you want here. Hopefully, there can be something resolved on him.”
Taylor has been at the club since 2019 and has gone on to rack up 173 appearances, registering eight goals and 25 assists in the process [Transfermarkt].
Establishing himself as a regular starter under several managers, the Scotland international has played his part in Celtic, claiming nine pieces of silverware and firming up his slot as part of a winning core in the dressing room.
Should he commit to new terms at Parkhead, there is definitely a need for competition in his place, so who could provide that over the coming years.
Celtic’s internal options to provide competition at left-back
Logically, Celtic will enter the market to try and secure a new left-back, but there may also be one or two internal figures who are given a chance to impress in pre-season.
Following a promising loan campaign at Austrian second-tier outfit Admira Wacker, academy graduate Matthew Anderson is probably the best bet from within the walls at Lennoxtown.
Having scored once and laid on six goals in 22 outings at the Bhoys’ partner club, the 20-year-old has cited Taylor as an inspiration alongside Sassuolo defender Josh Doig, given he has played alongside both.
Mitchel Frame is also highly rated and made a brief cameo for Celtic in their victory over Feyenoord last winter in the Champions League; however, it remains to be seen if either will be allowed to shine.
Will Rodgers spin the wheel in the window or look to fulfil his vision of promoting young players at Parkhead? Whatever direction he takes, Taylor needs a competitor in 2024/25.