Ally McCoist Backs Potential Free Transfer Return for Former Rangers Player This Summer

Although Rangers have often held their own in individual matches against Celtic, the long haul of a full season has tended to reveal the superior depth and investment of their Glasgow rivals.

As discussions continue around a potential Ibrox takeover by a US-based consortium backed by the San Francisco 49ers, Rangers supporters are looking ahead with cautious optimism.

Many are hopeful that the summer transfer window will bring positive developments and help close the gap with Celtic.

One of the more surprising stories to emerge recently involves Rangers being linked with a potential move for Celtic left-back Greg Taylor—an extremely rare transfer route in Scottish football history.

Taylor, who was once part of Rangers’ academy but released at a young age, has gone on to make over 200 appearances for Celtic.

This season alone, he has featured in 36 games.

Now, with his contract set to expire in the summer, speculation is growing about a potential return to Govan.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has publicly encouraged the club to pursue Taylor, and fellow pundit Michael Stewart has echoed those sentiments.

Now, Rangers icon Ally McCoist has joined the conversation, sharing his thoughts on the possible transfer.

Speaking to Record Sport (as published by the Daily Record on April 9), McCoist downplayed the controversy that once surrounded players moving between the two clubs.

He referenced the famous case of Maurice “Mo” Johnston, who infamously crossed the Old Firm divide in the late 1980s.

McCoist believes Taylor would be a valuable addition to the current Rangers squad, where the left-back position remains in flux.

Ridvan Yilmaz has been frequently linked with a move away, while Jefte is still establishing himself.

“He could absolutely get into the team and play,” said McCoist. “I’ve no doubt about that. He’s a good player.

These days, moving between the two clubs probably isn’t as controversial as it once was.

I remember when wee Mo did it—after that, anything’s possible. You’ve also got Kenny Miller and Alfie Conn who did it, so I don’t think it’s the massive deal it used to be.”

Taylor was let go by Rangers at age 16, deemed too small to make the cut at the senior level.

He went on to build a strong career at Kilmarnock before signing for Celtic in 2019.

Since then, he has collected over 200 appearances, 10 trophies, and 14 Scotland caps.

A potential return to Ibrox would be remarkable, especially considering the weight of history surrounding players who’ve worn both jerseys.

It’s a small group—Mo Johnston, Alfie Conn, and Kenny Miller being the most prominent examples.

Miller, in particular, signed for Rangers three times and remains a supporter of the club.

While a direct transfer between the two sides is extremely rare, especially on a free, such a move would certainly make headlines.

Taylor’s popularity among Celtic fans would likely take a hit if he were to cross the divide, but it remains early in the process.

Still, the support of figures like Boyd and McCoist could play a crucial role.

Both are steeped in the lore of the Old Firm and understand the sensitivities involved.

If Rangers are serious about Taylor, it could mark one of the boldest and most intriguing moves of the summer.