His performances at Barnet earned him a move to the Premier League with Southampton in January 1997 under Graeme Souness. Taylor made his debut on 11 January in a 1–0 victory away at Middlesbrough, helping the Saints narrowly avoid relegation that season. However, after managerial changes and the arrival of Paul Jones, Taylor found himself surplus to requirements and joined Fulham later that year for around £800,000 .

At Fulham, under Kevin Keegan, Taylor flourished as the first-choice keeper. He was praised as 'the best taker of a cross in Britain' and guided the side to the Second Division title in 1999 and the First Division crown in 2001, securing Premier League promotion. Despite losing his starting spot to Edwin van der Sar in the Premier League, Taylor’s resilience saw him reclaim duties during Van der Sar's injury in 2002 and remain involved at a high level.

In 2003, he moved to Birmingham City initially on loan, before completing a permanent transfer in March 2004. His form earned him a place in the Premier League team of the year for 2003/04, and he was celebrated as the fans’ goalkeeper of the season. At Birmingham, Taylor played a key role in their 2011 League Cup victory, although in the latter years he transitioned to a backup role behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster.

Following his release by Birmingham in 2011, Taylor trained with Leeds United starting in November, when manager Simon Grayson sent Paul Rachubka away on loan to steady his nerves after a nightmare display against Blackpool. Grayson commented: 'It might be something that suits both parties in the short-term deal, to give us cover and put Maik in the shop window, or maybe even a longer-term deal until the end of the season. Alex McCarthy will eventually go back to Reading and it might still be difficult to have Paul in or around my 16. Maik's trained all week and we're going to speak to him and see what comes of it.

He's experienced and nothing's going to faze him. He's played at the highest level and he's kept himself very fit.'

Said Taylor, 'I had a shoulder injury at the end of last season and I was in rehab over the summer. My phone was ringing then and I hoped to get fixed up when I was fully fit and available.

'It's been really strange for me, and frustrating more than anything. The injury came at the worst possible time, but I've kept myself in shape and it's great to be back on the grass now. It makes a change to being in the gym every day. My deal's for two months and it means the management can have a good look at me over time. I've still got big aspirations of playing but they've got some fantastic goalies here so I understand the situation.

'Alex has come in and done well I appreciated that, and Lonergan is the number one at the club when he's fit. It's going to be difficult to get in and play regularly but that's what I'll aim to do. The manager makes the decisions and if I can put pressure on other people then that's good for Leeds.

'I've been very fortunate that, until last season, I had very few injuries in my career. I love being out on the grass but I'm not here just to make up the numbers. I really want to do well and we'll see where that leaves me in two months' time.'

Taylor impressed during a friendly versus a Chelsea XI—saving a penalty—and was offered a short-term deal as experienced cover behind Alex McCarthy and later Andy Lonergan. Although he occupied a bench place in a match against Barnsley, Taylor did not make a competitive appearance for Leeds . His contract was extended through the season for squad depth, but never resulted in first-team action.

When Neil Warnock became manager in February 2012, a tactical decision was made not to name a goalkeeper on the bench. Consequently, Taylor agreed to join Millwall on an emergency loan in March, immediately providing cover and enjoying a run of clean sheets that earned him a Championship Player of the Month nomination for April . He ultimately made 10 appearances for Millwall before securing a permanent one-year contract in May after Leeds released him .

Taylor retired from professional football after the 2012/13 season with Millwall. Across his career, he accumulated over 500 league appearances. Internationally, he chose to represent Northern Ireland, earning 88 caps between 1999 and 2011 . Notably, he helped Northern Ireland reach and feature prominently in their UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaign and later served as the team’s goalkeeping coach from 2013 to 2023.

Taylor’s connection to Leeds United during the 2011–12 season, though brief and devoid of actual match minutes, symbolised the value of veteran experience in a promotion-chasing squad. Signed in November 2011, he was seen as reliable cover during the busy Championship campaign. Manager Simon Grayson cited the importance of his experience and readiness to step in if needed.

The Leeds squad that season finished mid-table, with managerial changes from Grayson to caretaker Neil Redfearn, followed by Neil Warnock’s February arrival. Taylor remained professional throughout, understanding his role. His departure to Millwall highlighted both his ambition to play again and the realities of squad depth management. After his stint at Leeds, Taylor found renewed form at Millwall, but still achieved the calm dignity he brought to every locker room.

Maik Taylor’s legacy reflects that of a consummate professional who embraced every role—whether as a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper, a dependable Championship veteran, or an international stalwart. His technical strengths—especially shot-stopping and commanding aerial control—were widely recognised throughout his career Infogalactic . Taylor’s journey from a small-town league to top-flight and international honours, through to coaching, underscores a life dedicated to football.

Even without match appearances at Leeds, his presence contributed to squad harmony and offered mentorship to younger keepers like Alex Cairns. During the season’s latter stages, his loan to Millwall allowed him to return to competitive action, demonstrating resilience as he earned monthly accolades before retiring from playing.

Post-retirement, Taylor excelled as a coach with Northern Ireland until mid-2023, helping guide goalkeepers through a strong Euro 2016 qualification run. He later assumed coaching roles at club level, including with Bradford, Walsall, and Birmingham City .

In essence, Maik Taylor’s career is a portrait of adaptability, leadership, and enduring professionalism. His spell at Leeds United, though devoid of game time, represented the final chapter of his playing days in English football's upper tiers: a respected veteran ready to serve when called upon, before transitioning gracefully into mentoring the next generation.