Max Taylor unsuccessful on trial at Maribor despite scoring in friendly

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Released Manchester United youngster Max Taylor is continuing his search for a new club.

Taylor was released at the end of June and after telling the club website he would be open to a move abroad, he has stuck to his work.

The centre-back has spent the past fortnight on loan at Slovenian side Maribor.

Maribor finished second in the league last season on goal difference and are competing in the upcoming UEFA Conference League, playing their first game of the tournament last week.

Around that fixture, Maribor have played two friendly matches and Taylor featured in both.

Taylor played 90 minutes in the friendly against Slovenian third tier side Bistrica at the weekend.

Impressively he managed to get on the scoresheet, netting in a 5-2 win after scoring the team’s second goal in just the fourth minute.

However his performances in the two games have not quite been enough to land him a contract.

The hunt goes on

Maribor announced on the club website they will not be taking up the deal to sign Taylor as they are looking for a player capable of making a more immediate impact.

Sporting director Marko Šuler explained: “He has quality, but at the moment he can’t help the team. Max was given the opportunity to prove himself as an immediate solution in strengthening the defensive line, which is not feasible due to the delay in physical fitness. 

“We thank him for his diligence and professionalism, the boy has quality, but we needed a player who could be immediately competitive.”

Taylor deserves some credit for pushing for this bold move and it should not deter him from his attempt to find a new club.

He has already been on trial with Portsmouth and it is possible this move might end up being revisited by both parties.

If Taylor’s desire is to land a move abroad then his experience at Maribor will help, and regarding his fitness, playing two friendly matches like he has done can only help him get up to speed.

Taylor was unfortunate this past season that his loan at Kidderminster was cancelled early due to the non-league season shutting down due to Covid. He returned early to play a handful of under-23 games, before his contract came to an end.

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