Alistair Johnston believes it “must be difficult” for Greg Taylor to process the news that Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic this summer. The Arsenal defender, who left the Hoops six years ago in a then-club record £25 million transfer, signed a pre-contract agreement with his boyhood club last month, paving the way for his highly anticipated comeback.
Despite manager Brendan Rodgers publicly expressing his desire to retain Taylor, the 27-year-old’s future remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in June, Taylor is now free to negotiate with other clubs ahead of a potential summer move.
Having made 34 appearances for Celtic this season, his non-committal stance has cast doubt over whether he will remain at Parkhead beyond the current campaign.
‘Greg’s someone who often gets overlooked’
Speaking to Daily Record, Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston shared his perspective on the situation involving Taylor and Tierney: “I won’t speak for him, but it must be difficult knowing KT’s coming in the summer,” the Canadian said.
“Greg’s someone who often gets overlooked but who helps us do so much with his ability to come inside and impact the play. If this is his last year, he’ll be seriously missed on and off the pitch. But you can understand that he wants to play every week and with Kieran coming back that’s maybe not going to happen. Whatever happens, though, he’ll always give his best for the club, and we should back him for that.”
Jeffrey Schlupp emerges as a potential replacement:
In light of Taylor’s uncertain future, Celtic have secured the services of Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace on a short-term deal until the end of the season. Schlupp, whose contract with Palace expires this summer, could become a permanent signing for the Hoops if Taylor departs.
The Ghanaian international has started Celtic’s last two domestic matches, raising questions about who Rodgers will select for the upcoming fixture at the Allianz Arena. Schlupp’s availability as a free agent in the summer makes him an attractive option for Rodgers, particularly if Taylor decides to move on.
Schlupp is a free agent in the summer
With his Crystal Palace contract set to conclude, Schlupp will be a free agent in the summer. If Celtic can agree on a financial package, the versatile midfielder could become a long-term target for Rodgers, especially if Taylor’s departure materializes at the end of the season.
