Joe Taylor is a popular topic amongst Huddersfield Town fans. Never truly hitting the heights expected after his move last year, his loan move to Wigan Athletic has seen the striker return to his form shown at Lincoln City two years ago. And now, it looks like he could be playing in a league above the Terriers next season.
Taylor has long been regarded as one of the most exciting striker prospects in the EFL. The 2023-24 campaign saw the Welshman come on leaps and bounds, being the top scorer at both Colchester United and Lincoln City across two half-season loan spells.
Amid this form, many expected him to become a main feature at Luton Town, especially after the Hatters dropped into the Championship. Struggling for gametime at Kenilworth Road, he moved to the West Yorkshire club, which was considered a huge coup.
Struggling to hit the heights at the Accu Stadium, he joined fellow League One outfit Wigan Athletic on loan, and his form has been sensational, returning nine goals in 14 appearances.
Joe Taylor Subject To Championship Interest
Now, it looks like he could finally get his fair chance at Championship football, as, according to Football League World, the Welsh forward is on the radars of both Oxford United and Preston North End.
The report also states that the pair are not the only second-tier sides planning to move for Taylor in the summer. And this comes as no surprise, given his form at Wigan Athletic.
Since making the move to The Brick Community Stadium, his strong goal return has given the Tics a lifeline in their fight to stay in League One. In fact, he is currently on a run of three goals in his last three outings, opening the scoring last weekend in a vital match against relegation rivals Exeter City.
This has only proven what was known during his spell at Lincoln: with a team to suit his strengths, he is an incredibly potent forward at League One level, more than deserving of a chance in the second tier.
The Huddersfield Town Position
As you would expect, Taylor is a divisive topic amongst the Terriers’ loyal.
On their books, Town have several strikers who are more than proven at the level. With Alfie May, Dion Charles, and obviously the former Luton Town man. However, their frontline has often struggled for consistency over the last year.
The loss of loan star Leo Castledine in January was a huge hit, while an injury to Serbian frontman Bojan Radulovic has also had an impact. Huddersfield are currently with only two wins in their previous nine, and losing serious ground in their fight for the top six.
And recent results have only made their decision to loan out Taylor more contentious. Goalless in their outings against Port Vale, Doncaster Rovers, and Stevenage, while well-beaten by Plymouth Argyle at the weekend, serious questions have been asked.
Now with Championship interest gathering, it looks like the forward’s time with the club will not last beyond this summer.