Celtic could be preparing for a surprise reunion with former left-back Greg Taylor as the club continues to assess its options for the position ahead of the new season.
Taylor’s name has emerged once again in the transfer conversation at Parkhead, just over a year after he left Celtic to join Greek side PAOK. What initially appeared to be a straightforward departure could now develop into an unexpected return, with reports suggesting that the Scotland international is open to the possibility of heading back to Glasgow.
The situation has created fresh intrigue around Celtic’s transfer plans, particularly because the club already has Kieran Tierney operating at left-back but remains interested in adding another experienced option to provide competition and depth.
Taylor’s situation at PAOK has therefore become one of the more interesting transfer stories surrounding Celtic. His previous success at the club, his familiarity with Scottish football and his ability to step straight into the squad could all make him an attractive option.
However, while speculation around a possible return has intensified, there is not yet a completed deal. Celtic have reportedly not made a formal bid, meaning supporters should treat the story as a developing transfer possibility rather than an imminent signing.
Taylor’s Celtic story could have another chapter
Greg Taylor spent six successful years at Celtic after arriving from Kilmarnock in 2019.
During his time in Glasgow, he developed from a player who initially faced competition for his position into an important member of the squad. He eventually became one of the more experienced defenders at the club and played a major role during a period of considerable domestic success.
Taylor made more than 200 appearances for Celtic and collected a significant number of trophies during his spell in the green and white. His departure last summer therefore marked the end of an important chapter for both the player and the club.
His move to PAOK was understandable at the time. With his Celtic contract expiring and Kieran Tierney returning to the club, Taylor faced a major decision about his future.
Indeed, Taylor later acknowledged that Tierney’s return had influenced his decision to leave Celtic. The arrival of a player who had previously established himself as one of Europe’s most highly regarded Scottish full-backs naturally created uncertainty about Taylor’s long-term position.
Rather than remain and compete for minutes, Taylor chose a new challenge in Greece.
But football can change quickly.
A year after leaving Celtic, the possibility of Taylor returning to the club has suddenly become a talking point again.
Why Celtic are considering him again
The biggest factor behind the speculation is Celtic’s need for another reliable left-back.
Tierney remains the obvious first-choice option when fit, but Celtic need depth across a long season. Domestic football, European competition and cup commitments can place enormous demands on a squad, meaning having only one established specialist in a position can become a problem.
Taylor would provide something particularly valuable: familiarity.
He already knows the club, the supporters, the league, the expectations and the pressure that comes with playing for Celtic. He would not require a lengthy adaptation period, unlike a player arriving from another country or another footballing environment.
There is also the question of tactical flexibility.
Taylor spent years playing under Celtic’s possession-based approach and became accustomed to operating in a system where the full-backs were expected to contribute both defensively and in possession.
His experience could therefore give Celtic a dependable alternative whenever Tierney needs to be rested, is unavailable or requires competition for his position.
Reports have indicated that Celtic have been searching for a left-back capable of competing with Tierney. Several names have been discussed, but moves for some of the alternative targets have failed to develop. That has helped push Taylor’s name back into the conversation.
The PAOK situation adds another layer
The most interesting part of the story is Taylor’s position at PAOK.
Reports from Greece have suggested that the defender could be surplus to requirements at the club, creating the possibility that PAOK could be willing to discuss a transfer.
That is significant because Taylor is not simply a player Celtic supporters remember fondly. He is potentially a player who could become available at a time when Celtic are actively looking for someone in his position.
That combination has naturally led to speculation.
If PAOK were prepared to listen to offers and Taylor were genuinely interested in returning to Scotland, Celtic could have an opportunity to bring back a player who already understands exactly what is required at Parkhead.
However, there is an important detail that should not be overlooked.
Taylor has continued to feature for PAOK. He was involved in the club’s recent European action against Anderlecht, meaning claims that he has completely fallen out of favour or is definitely leaving should be treated carefully. Supporters have also noticed his continued involvement, which makes the situation more complicated than a simple case of a player being frozen out.
In other words, his situation may be unsettled, but it is not necessarily resolved.
Why a return could make sense for Celtic
From Celtic’s perspective, there are several reasons why a Taylor reunion would be attractive.
The first is experience.
Taylor has already played in high-pressure Celtic matches, including European fixtures and title-deciding games. He knows how to deal with the expectation that comes with wearing the Celtic shirt.
The second is reliability.
During his Celtic career, Taylor was generally regarded as a dependable player who could be trusted to perform consistently. That kind of squad player can be extremely valuable over the course of a long season.
The third is homegrown experience.
With European squad registration rules requiring clubs to consider locally trained players, having Scottish-trained footballers can sometimes provide additional squad-building flexibility.
Taylor’s familiarity with Celtic would also make the transition almost immediate.
A new signing might need weeks or months to understand the manager’s expectations, learn the movements of his teammates and adapt to the pace of Scottish football. Taylor would already know much of that environment.
There is also the emotional factor.
Celtic supporters have a strong connection with players who have delivered trophies and remained committed to the club. Taylor was not always universally praised during his time at Parkhead, but his consistency and longevity earned him considerable respect.
A return could therefore be received positively, particularly if Celtic are unable to secure another preferred target.
But would Taylor want to return?
That is perhaps the most important question.
Taylor left Celtic partly because Tierney’s return changed the situation for him. Returning now would mean accepting a similar challenge.
Tierney is still at the club, meaning Taylor would not necessarily return as an automatic starter.
Instead, he would likely be competing for the position.
That could appeal to Taylor if he believes he can push Tierney for regular football. It could also provide him with the opportunity to play a significant number of matches without carrying the responsibility of being the club’s undisputed first-choice left-back.
On the other hand, Taylor left Celtic in search of a new challenge and a different experience. He has only been at PAOK for a relatively short period, so leaving Greece after one season would represent another major change.
His decision would therefore depend on several factors, including his relationship with PAOK, his role in the squad, the financial terms available and how Celtic plan to use him.
Recent reporting has suggested that Taylor is open to the idea of returning, which is one of the reasons the story has gathered momentum.
Celtic’s left-back search is the key
The potential Taylor return should also be viewed within the wider context of Celtic’s recruitment plans.
The club has been looking for additional cover at left-back, with several alternatives reportedly considered.
Marcelo Saracchi was among the players linked with the position, while other names have also been discussed. With those possibilities becoming less straightforward, Taylor has emerged as an increasingly logical option.
That does not necessarily mean Celtic have abandoned other targets.
Transfer windows are unpredictable, and clubs frequently keep several options open at the same time.
But Taylor has one advantage that many alternatives do not have: Celtic already know exactly what they would be getting.
There would be very little uncertainty about his character, his footballing ability or his ability to handle the pressure of playing at Parkhead.
What could happen next?
The next stage of the story is likely to depend on whether Celtic decide to turn their reported interest into a formal approach.
At present, reports indicate that no formal Celtic bid has been made. That means there is still plenty of room for the situation to change.
PAOK could decide that Taylor remains an important part of their squad.
Celtic could choose another left-back.
Taylor could decide to remain in Greece.
Or all three parties could eventually agree that a return to Glasgow makes sense.
For Celtic supporters, the most encouraging part of the story is that the player himself is reportedly receptive to the possibility.
A player who already knows the club and is willing to return removes one of the biggest obstacles in any transfer negotiation.
But Celtic would still need to agree terms with PAOK and determine whether bringing Taylor back represents the best use of the club’s transfer budget.
What Taylor could bring back to Celtic
If the deal did happen, Taylor would bring more than just defensive cover.
He would bring experience, familiarity and a proven understanding of Celtic’s environment.
His time at the club also means he knows what it takes to compete for trophies in Scotland.
His ability to contribute in possession could be particularly useful. Celtic have traditionally expected their full-backs to be comfortable moving forward, combining with midfielders and helping create overloads in wide areas.
Taylor has spent years developing those qualities.
He may not be viewed as the most spectacular left-back in European football, but Celtic do not necessarily need a spectacular signing.
They need a dependable one.
And that could be precisely where Taylor fits.
Supporters could have mixed reactions
As with any returning player, the reaction among supporters would probably be mixed.
Some Celtic fans would welcome the return of a player who helped the club win multiple trophies and made more than 200 appearances.
Others may question whether bringing back a player who left only a year ago represents genuine progress.
There would also be debate over whether Celtic should instead invest in a younger left-back with long-term resale value.
Those are reasonable questions.
Celtic’s recruitment strategy has increasingly focused on balancing immediate needs with longer-term squad development. Taylor would offer immediate reliability, but at 28, he would not necessarily represent the same type of long-term investment as a younger player.
That could be an important consideration for the club’s decision-makers.
The bigger picture
Ultimately, the Greg Taylor story is interesting because it demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change in football.
Only a year ago, Celtic and Taylor appeared to be moving in different directions.
Taylor joined PAOK, while Celtic welcomed back Tierney.
Now, Celtic are once again looking for left-back depth, while Taylor’s future in Greece has become a subject of speculation.
The timing is striking.
It does not guarantee that a reunion will happen, but it explains why the possibility has become so attractive.
Celtic need a player who can provide competition for Tierney. Taylor needs clarity over his future. PAOK may have decisions to make about their squad.
If all three situations align, a transfer could become realistic.
For now, however, supporters should remain cautious.
Taylor’s recent appearance for PAOK shows that he remains involved, and there has been no confirmed agreement taking him back to Celtic. The reports of interest are significant, but a completed deal is still a step away.
Conclusion
Greg Taylor’s possible return to Celtic is one of those transfer stories that seemed unlikely only a few months ago but now makes increasing sense.
The defender left Celtic after six successful years and joined PAOK, partly influenced by the return of Kieran Tierney. Yet circumstances have changed again, with Celtic searching for additional left-back competition and Taylor’s future at PAOK reportedly attracting attention.
A return would give Celtic an experienced player who already understands the club, the league and the demands of European football.
For Taylor, it could represent an opportunity to return to familiar surroundings and compete for trophies once again.
For Celtic, it could provide a proven solution to a position where depth remains important.
But the key word remains possibility.
There is no completed agreement yet, and Taylor’s continued involvement with PAOK means the situation is still developing. Celtic must decide whether the experienced Scotland international is the right answer to their recruitment needs, while Taylor must weigh up whether another move so soon after joining PAOK is right for his career.
If the stars align, Celtic could soon welcome back a player many supporters thought they had seen leave Parkhead for the final time.
And that is what makes the developing Taylor saga so intriguing: what looked like the end of his Celtic story could yet turn out to be nothing more than another chapter.
