With the January transfer window fast approaching, two Celtic players—James Forrest and Greg Taylor—are set to enter the crucial final six months of their contracts. The club is faced with important decisions about their futures, as both players play key roles but find themselves in very different situations.

James Forrest: A Celtic StalwartJames Forrest embodies loyalty at Celtic, having dedicated his entire professional career to the club. Since breaking into the first team in 2010, the winger has made over 500 appearances, amassing an impressive collection of trophies along the way. His commitment and contributions have made him a beloved figure among fans and a key player in Celtic’s success.

However, at 33, Forrest has transitioned into more of a squad player than a first-choice starter. He’s been called upon in crucial matches, often coming off the bench or featuring in cup games. Despite this shift, his experience and versatility continue to make him a valuable asset to the squad, particularly during long campaigns when squad depth is essential.

The pressing question for Celtic is whether to offer Forrest a contract extension or allow him to explore new opportunities. While the sentimental value of retaining a one-club man is appealing, the club must carefully consider whether Forrest’s diminishing playing time warrants a new deal.

Greg Taylor: Underappreciated, But CrucialIn stark contrast, Greg Taylor has established himself as a vital member of the first team since joining from Kilmarnock in 2019. The left-back may often go unnoticed, but his reliable performances have made him a cornerstone of Celtic’s defense under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. His contributions are essential to the team’s success, even if they don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

Taylor’s hard work and dependability have garnered praise from both his teammates and coaching staff, yet he often remains underappreciated by certain sections of the fanbase. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old is an essential component of Brendan Rodgers’ plans. His ability to contribute to attacking plays while maintaining defensive solidity has been pivotal to Celtic’s success in recent seasons.

However, as Taylor approaches the final stretch of his current contract, there’s a risk he may be tempted to seek opportunities elsewhere. At this point in his career, he might be looking for a fresh challenge or a new league. Celtic must act quickly to secure his future if they hope to avoid losing one of their key contributors.

The Verdict: Keep Both or Prioritize Taylor?In deciding the futures of both Forrest and Taylor, Celtic may face some difficult choices. While Forrest has been a loyal servant, his role in the squad has become more peripheral. Offering him a short-term extension could retain his valuable experience in the dressing room, but it might also be time for both parties to explore options beyond Celtic Park. Conversely, Taylor’s importance to the team is clear, and prioritizing his contract extension may be the best move for the club’s future success.

On the other hand, Greg Taylor’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. Currently in his prime, Celtic can ill afford to lose a first-team regular for nothing, particularly in such a vital position as left-back. Securing Taylor’s services for the long term should be a top priority for the club, as replacing him would likely incur significantly higher costs than renewing his contract.

In summary, while there’s a strong case for retaining both players, Celtic may ultimately need to prioritize Taylor, ensuring he remains with the club while allowing Forrest to explore other opportunities. January will be a pivotal month for Celtic as they navigate these contract situations and make decisions that could shape the team’s future.