Just as it looked like the long-running saga involving Greg Taylor and a move away from Celtic was nearing the end, there is yet another twist in the tale. It’s been known for a while that the left-back's contract is running out this summer. Despite offers and discussions, it looked more and more likely that he would be leaving the club.
Taylor and Brendan Rodgers had discussed the impact of Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic. The manager seemed keen to reassure the left-back that he still had a place in his squad.
Rodgers spoke in several interviews about how highly he rated Taylor and that he had talked with him about how he would still get game time even with Tierney back in the squad. Yet, no agreement was reached over an extension.
The story has gone on all season and seemed to be drawing to a close this week. News broke that Taylor had been in contact with Greek side PAOK. Reports indicated that a two-year deal with an additional one-year option had been agreed upon. The saga was finally over. Or so we had thought.
New twist in Greg Taylor-Celtic saga after rumours of agreed deal
Now comes that twist, via Greek media outlet SDNA. Their report suggests that it is by no means a done deal. The deal is on hold, frozen for now.
PAOK are keen to get a deal done and confirm an offer has been made to the player, but as yet they wait to hear back from him. The Greek side's stance is:
"We are waiting for him to make his final decision. You know that we are talking about a free, good footballer, who is not pressured by anything to make his decision and it is logical for him to want time."
That suggests that Taylor and his agent have been pursuing other clubs, which is entirely logical given his situation. It does make sense that interested clubs would make offers to him for consideration. As yet, the suggestions that a deal is done and he is getting ready for life in Greece may be a bit premature.
The odds are still likely on seeing Taylor make a move away. Rumours of a move to Greece have been around for a while now and will likely persist until he makes a final decision. Rodgers will remain hopeful that a return to Celtic isn't out of the question.