Chris Sutton has called on Celtic to resolve Greg Taylor’s contract issue, urging the club to retain the left-back, who he believes continues to play a pivotal role for the team.
Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton defended Taylor against what he described as “undeserved stick” from a section of the support and highlighted the defender’s importance to Brendan Rodgers’ system.
Taylor’s assist for Reo Hatate’s winner against Aberdeen in Celtic’s 1-0 victory at Pittodrie was the latest example of his value to the team. Despite losing his starting place to Alex Valle in Pittodrie, Taylor’s second-half introduction proved decisive, with Sutton noting his seamless ability to adapt to Celtic’s inverted full-back role.
He wrote: “Then there was Greg Taylor. Alex Valle kept his place in the side at his expense but there’s no doubt it’s Taylor who is more comfortable in that inverted full back role.
“Valle had some moments in the first half but Taylor really helped to get to grips with the game in the second and then he popped up with the crucial assist for the winner. I would like to see him sign a new deal at Celtic. Taylor gets some undeserved stick at times from a section of the support and, okay, there are moments when the Champions League can be a stretch for him.
“But he’s not alone in that and he’s more than shown over the years he’s a valuable member of the team and the squad. I don’t know if he’s holding out for more money or he fancies a change in scenery. But do know he’s worth keeping around – even if Rodgers does target new signings in that position.”
Taylor’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and with January fast approaching, the Scotland international will soon be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs.
The lack of clarity over his future is a growing concern for supporters, particularly given his consistent contributions and experience.
Brendan Rodgers has publicly praised Taylor’s adaptability and professionalism, saying that the club would like to extend his stay. However, the emergence of Alex Valle, currently on loan from Barcelona, and ongoing speculation about Celtic’s interest in other left-backs have created uncertainty over Taylor’s role moving forward.
Celtic must act swiftly to avoid losing Taylor on a free transfer.
