Hoops Explore Left-Back Cover For Next Season
Celtic have made contact regarding James Penrice, viewing the AEK Athens left-back as a potential option to support Kieran Tierney next season. The inquiry remains preliminary rather than a formal approach, but it signals genuine interest from Parkhead.
Tierney returned to Celtic on a five-year deal after leaving Arsenal, and manager Brendan Rodgers wants reliable cover behind him. Greg Taylor's future looks uncertain too, with reports suggesting a possible move to PAOK, though talks reportedly stalled recently. That uncertainty leaves a gap Celtic clearly want addressed before the season begins.
Penrice, meanwhile, hasn't fully settled since leaving Hearts last summer. He struggled for consistent minutes in Greece, featuring mostly from the substitutes' bench across his debut campaign at AEK. Consequently, a return to Scottish football holds obvious appeal, especially with regular first-team opportunities on offer.
Competition for his signature exists elsewhere, however. Rangers have long admired the 27-year-old, while Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers continue monitoring his situation from the English Championship. AEK, for their part, appear ready to negotiate hard before sanctioning any exit, having paid roughly £2 million for him only a year ago.
Penrice previously spoke openly about the difficulty of adapting abroad, admitting the transition tested him more than expected. That honesty, paired with his Scottish Premiership pedigree, makes him an appealing option for clubs seeking proven depth. Nothing suggests an imminent breakthrough, though Celtic's interest adds another layer to an increasingly crowded transfer picture.
Competition Could Complicate Any Move
Rangers remain firmly in the conversation, and their pursuit predates Celtic's involvement significantly. Whether Celtic push toward a concrete bid likely depends on how Taylor's situation resolves first.
Developments should emerge soon, according to reporting via The Scotsman. Expect further clarity before preseason concludes.
