Celtic must prioritise re-signing 28-yr-old with dazzling stats last season
Celtic are right to be eyeing a move to re-sign Greg Taylor ahead of Marcelo Saracchi just a year on from his departure.
Martin O'Neill is reshaping his defensive options this summer after leading Celtic to the Premiership title late on last season.
The Hoops' main left-back options last term were the returning Kieran Tierney and Boca Juniors loanee Saracchi, after Taylor left for PAOK.
Both players impressed at times throughout the campaign, and Celtic were expected to make a permanent move for Saracchi but have seemingly decided against pursuing a deal.
Taylor is now firmly back on the Hoops' radar as O'Neill explores alternative options to bolster his left-back options.
Many fans have expressed their annoyance at the club looking to sign the 28-year-old over Saracchi, but their previous statistics show why they are right to be doing so.
Greg Taylor's last Celtic season was statistically better than Marcelo Saracchi's loan spell
Taylor was once part of arch-rivals Rangers' academy, but he moved to Parkhead in 2019 after three impressive years in Kilmarnock's senior side.
He made over 200 appearances for the Hoops in the six seasons that followed, but departed for Greek outfit PAOK last summer after his contract expired.
Saracchi was signed as a direct replacement to play second fiddle to Tierney, and even though he won Celtic fans' hearts, his performances were no better than Taylor's prior to his exit.
When comparing Taylor's Premiership stats from 2024-25 and Saracchi's from last season, the Scotland star registered seven assists in 24 games compared to one goal and two assists in 15 appearances.
He also emerged on top in big chances created, accurate passes and successful crosses per 90, but Saracchi had better stats for chances created and successful dribbles per 90.
Taylor is clearly the better defender in the Scottish top flight, as he boasted better successful tackles, blocks, clearances, headed clearances and possession won in the final third stats in 2024-25 , compared to Saracchi in 2025-26.
What has Taylor said about returning to Celtic?
Sources told Football Insider last month that O'Neill wanted Saracchi to return, but the club have clearly identified Taylor as a better option to provide competition to Tierney.
He enjoyed a trophy-laden six years in Glasgow before leaving, and recently admitted that a return is something that he would consider this summer.
Speaking on the Pitch to Par channel last week, he said: "I think I’d be open to everything. I’ve got two years left on my contract in Greece, I’d love to be a success out there. But if that didn’t materialise, I’d be open to anything. I’ve moved abroad now, I’ve enjoyed that aspect of it.
“I loved playing in Scotland. So honestly, who knows in a career? You know it can change like that, both ways. But I would love to make a success of it in Greece and see where that takes me.”