There’s something poetic about footballers writing new chapters | OneFootball

There’s something poetic about footballers writing new chapters—and Greg Taylor’s just opened his with a distinctly Mediterranean flavour…

Greg Taylor. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

After five trophy-filled years in the Hoops, the 26-year-old has swapped the misty mornings of Lennoxtown for the sun-soaked streets of Thessaloniki, completing a summer move to Greek giants PAOK. Taylor’s departure from Celtic might have caught a few fans off guard, but listen to the man himself and it all starts to make sense.

Speaking to the Greek press following his arrival as reported in Glasgow Times Taylor talked openly about the “love” he felt from PAOK from the very beginning—directors, manager, the whole club hierarchy rolling out the black-and-white carpet for the ex-Celt.

For a player who’s never been one to hog headlines, that personal touch clearly mattered.

“It’s obviously a new chapter for me and my family, but I’m very excited to be here,” Taylor said. “The love I was shown from the club… they believed in me and were very excited for me to come into the project, especially with the club’s 100th anniversary season.”

You don’t need to be fluent in Greek or footballing clichés to understand the pull of a centenary campaign. Legacy. Glory. Immortality. Ah, The Centenary Double of 1988. Good times! That’s the fuel PAOK are running on this year, and Taylor’s signing is more than just a left-back arriving for PAOK it’s a signal of intent.

Last season, PAOK saw the Super League title slip through their fingers on the final day, losing out to Olympiacos in heart-breaking fashion. That pain probably still lingers, but so does their ambition. Taylor’s clearly tuned into that wavelength: “We want to be the best team in Greece, we want to win the league and hopefully be successful in Europe.”

There’s just a wee bit of steel to his words—which is typical of Taylor, understated but fully committed. That same mentality saw him become a reliable mainstay under Ange Postecoglou, transforming into a technically sharp, inverted full-back with a relentless work rate. PAOK aren’t just getting experience, they’re getting a player who knows how to win.

A wave from Greg Taylor ahead of the Scottish Cup Final on 24 May, Aberdeen v Celtic Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

And for those wondering about how he will settle into a new league, new language, new life—well, there’s comfort in familiarity. Enter – Jonjoe Kenny –shudder! The former Everton right-back, who had a loan spell at Celtic during that pandemic season, has also signed for PAOK this summer.

“Obviously, Jonjoe signed this season,” Taylor said. “So it’s nice to have a familiar face in the changing room.”

A small detail, but a valuable one. Moving abroad can be a culture shock, but having someone beside you who knows what you are going through can make all the difference.

We’ll watch from afar, wishing Greg nothing but the best—unless, of course, we ever meet in Europe.

Niall J

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image above to join.

More Stories / Latest News

There’s something poetic about footballers writing new chapters

Jul 2 2025, 23:09

Transfer News – Celtic fans hearing a lot about Sondre Orjasaeter

Jul 2 2025, 18:01

Looks like end of road at Celtic for Gustaf Lagerbielke

Jul 2 2025, 16:15