Greg Taylor has shed light on the pivotal role former Celtic teammate Joe Hart played in his decision to join Greek side PAOK on a free transfer earlier this week.
Taylor’s move to Thessaloniki comes as Celtic prepare for the return of Kieran Tierney, who is set to reclaim the left-back position following his departure from Arsenal.
Taylor revealed that Hart, who retired at the end of the 2023–24 season after three successful years at Celtic, was a significant influence in his decision-making process.
He said: (Sky Sports), “Joe Hart’s someone I really trust and I spoke to him quite a bit over the summer, weighed up the decisions.”
“He was probably the one I spoke to most. He’d experienced something abroad and spoke really highly of it with a young family. He was one I definitely leaned on.”
Taylor’s departure marks the end of a successful chapter at Celtic, where he contributed to multiple title-winning campaigns under managers Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou, and Brendan Rodgers.
Despite being a regular starter in recent seasons, Taylor’s future had been uncertain with his contract nearing expiry and no extension agreed.
Speculation mounted after the Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen, with Brendan Rodgers admitting that ‘the door wasn’t closed’ on a new deal, but a new challenge now awaits in Thessaloniki.
PAOK, who are preparing for another European campaign, have been keen to add Taylor’s experience to their back line. The Greek side are understood to have offered a two-year deal with the option of a third, reportedly on terms beyond what Celtic had proposed.
With Taylor’s departure, Celtic will look to reintegrate Tierney into the squad, aiming to maintain their dominance in Scottish football.
