Brendan Rodgers has addressed the ongoing contract situation of Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, revealing the unusual dilemma surrounding the player’s future at the club. Although Taylor is a key figure in the team, his contract is set to expire in the summer, and he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January onwards.
Taylor, who signed a contract extension in November 2021, has not yet agreed to a new deal under Rodgers, unlike many of his teammates. Since the Irishman’s return to Celtic, several core players from Ange Postecoglou’s era, including Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, and Daizen Maeda, have signed new contracts. In January 2023, Cameron Carter-Vickers also extended his stay, but Taylor’s situation remains unresolved.
Despite this, Taylor has remained a key part of Rodgers’ plans, with the manager consistently praising his performances and leadership. Rodgers said: “You saw his importance to our game the other night. We’ve got two quality players in each position, which was evident in the game against Leipzig. I could bring Greg in, and you saw the level he played at—how clean he was, how bright, how well he defended and attacked. He’s a huge part of what we’re looking to continue here.”
Rodgers also stressed that the situation needs to be addressed soon, as both sides must understand their positions. He explained: “If it’s not going to happen, then we need to know so we can plan for the future. But I really hope it doesn’t come to that because I love working with Greg. He’s played around 186 games for this club, and he’s been incredibly influential both on and off the pitch. His consistency and the way he fits into how we play are invaluable. Both our full-backs are crucial to how we operate, and Greg is a specialist in what he does for us.”
The Celtic manager also highlighted Taylor’s off-field character, saying, “He’s a good guy, and he loves being here. He’s a big voice in the changing room, and his focus and commitment in training are second to none. He’s just married, and he’s going to be a father soon, so we want him to settle down and have everything in place for his future. I really want to continue working with him for as long as I can.”
Rodgers also commented on the competition for the left-back spot, with Taylor and summer loan signing Alex Valle each earning one start in recent games—Taylor in the Champions League tie against Leipzig and Valle in the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen. The manager’s next challenge is deciding which left-back will start in Celtic’s upcoming Premiership fixture away to Kilmarnock, with Taylor’s prior experience on the challenging plastic pitch at Rugby Park likely to be a factor in his selection.
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