Celtic boost as Kilmarnock sign a new left-back amid Greg Taylor rumours

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With time running out in the summer transfer window, it is becoming increasingly clear that Celtic need a new left-back. This was laid bare in the recent Champions League loss against CFR Cluj.

Neil Lennon did not have faith in Boli Bolingoli to start at left-back. Instead, he moved Callum McGregor – one of his most influential midfielders – to left-back. Celtic lost 4-3 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate to end their Champions League hopes.

Lennon now wants to bring in a new left-back before the window slams shut. He has lost star man Kieran Tierney to Arsenal and Bolingoli has not been trusted to be his replacement just yet.

One player’s name keeps cropping up in this discussion. According to various media outlets, including The Daily Record, Celtic want to sign Greg Taylor from Kilmarnock.

Taylor is one of the most promising young left-backs in the division and Celtic have scouted him. The once-capped Scotland international is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Tierney.

Celtic may have just been handed a major boost in this pursuit. Kilmarnock have signed Niko Hamalainen on loan from Queens Park Rangers. The Finland international is also a left-back and he could be Taylor’s replacement at Rugby Park.

Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton is in charge at QPR now and he has sanctioned the 22-year-old’s loan move to Kilmarnock. He might have inadvertently helped his old club’s rivals to land their top target.

TBR’s view

Kilmarnock signing Hamalainen should encourage Celtic to go all out for Taylor. It is clear that a left-back is needed and he has the perfect blend of youth and experience. The 21-year-old already has 131 senior games to his name for Killie and one Scotland cap (he would have more if not for Andy Robertson and Tierney).

Hamalainen is not Taylor’s long-term replacement as he is only on loan. But he gives the club some insurance in case Taylor goes. Hamalainen would plug the gap for the season, allowing Kilmarnock some time to scout a replacement.