The news of Greg Taylor’s potential departure from Celtic to join Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb has taken the spotlight, with reports from Sportske Novosti suggesting the Scotland international is keen on a move to Maksimir Stadium. The outlet claims that Taylor, whose current contract at Celtic expires at the end of the season, is eager to work under Fabio Cannavaro, the World Cup-winning Italian defender who recently became the manager of Dinamo Zagreb.
Taylor, now 27, has been a reliable and consistent presence in Celtic’s defense since his move from Kilmarnock in 2019. In his time at Parkhead, he has made over 150 appearances, becoming a key figure in Brendan Rodgers’ setup and helping the club secure multiple league titles and domestic cups. His contributions have also been recognized on the international stage, with Taylor earning 14 caps for Scotland. However, his decision to seek a new challenge could mark the end of an impressive era for the full-back at Celtic.
The timing of Taylor’s potential exit is particularly interesting. With his contract running down, he is now free to negotiate terms with foreign clubs, and Dinamo Zagreb may look to capitalize on the situation by offering a pre-contract agreement. Alternatively, the Croatian side could push for an early deal in the January transfer window, allowing Taylor to join immediately for a reduced fee. Such a move would benefit Zagreb in bolstering their squad while also preventing Celtic from losing the player for nothing in the summer.
Adding further intrigue to the situation is Celtic’s reported interest in bringing back Kieran Tierney, their former left-back and academy graduate, from Arsenal. Tierney, who left Celtic for Arsenal in 2019 in a record-breaking transfer, has struggled for game time at the Emirates and is believed to be open to a return to Parkhead. His potential arrival could provide an ideal replacement for Taylor, softening the blow of losing a player who has been a linchpin of Celtic’s defensive structure.
For Celtic, this development presents a delicate balancing act. Taylor’s departure would leave a significant void at left-back, particularly given his ability to perform consistently in high-pressure matches, both domestically and in Europe. While the club has Alex Valle, a young and promising defender, as a potential internal solution, relying on him to immediately fill Taylor’s boots might be a risk, especially with Celtic aiming for success in the Scottish Premiership and competing in European competitions.
On the other hand, re-signing Tierney could prove to be a masterstroke, given his quality, experience, and deep connection with the club. However, the financial implications of such a move, combined with the potential competition from other suitors for Tierney’s signature, mean that Celtic must act swiftly and decisively. Additionally, with the January transfer window fast approaching, the club may need to consider other external options to ensure they maintain strength in depth in the left-back position.
Taylor himself has yet to comment publicly on these reports, leaving room for speculation about whether he is indeed pushing for a move or simply exploring his options as his contract winds down. His professionalism and commitment to Celtic have never been in question, and fans will undoubtedly appreciate his contributions over the years. However, if Taylor does feel that a move to Dinamo Zagreb represents the next step in his career, his departure may ultimately be in the best interest of all parties.
From Celtic’s perspective, the prospect of losing Taylor mid-season is far from ideal. Yet, the potential of securing a fee in January, combined with the opportunity to reinvest in the squad, could make this an acceptable outcome. For Taylor, the chance to work under a legendary figure like Cannavaro and compete in a new league may be too good to pass up, particularly if he believes his time at Celtic has run its natural course.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Celtic’s response to this situation. Whether they manage to convince Taylor to stay until the summer, secure an early replacement, or perhaps even bring Tierney back to the club, the decisions they make could have a significant impact on their season. For now, the possibility of Greg Taylor swapping Parkhead for Maksimir Stadium remains one of the most intriguing stories of Celtic’s January transfer window.