Celtic now make approach for £2m star who Rangers were expecting to sign

Celtic have made an approach to sign AEK Athens defender James Penrice, but there could be competition from Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers.

The Hoops are searching for a new left-back to provide competition for Kieran Tierney, and Penrice could fit the bill, considering he already has plenty of experience in the Scottish Premiership, having spent time with Patrick Thistle, Livingston and Hearts.

The 27-year-old has made 108 appearances in the top tier of Scottish football, displaying his attacking prowess by chipping in with four goals and 14 assists, which means he is also well-suited to playing in more advanced areas of the pitch.

Throughout his career to date, the Scot has regularly featured in left-midfield and in the middle of the park, which suggests he could fill in for other players when required, rather than simply being a back-up for Tierney.

In fact, during his time with Hearts during the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, the versatile defender managed to create 56 chances, which was the joint-highest number in the squad, and he has been lauded as “outstanding” by former manager Neil Critchley.

Considering Tierney was also one of the Hoops’ best playmakers in the league last term, it would make sense to have a similar player as a back-up, and Martin O’Neill‘s side are now ramping up their pursuit of the AEK Athens man.

Celtic make approach to sign James Penrice

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Celtic have now made an approach to sign Penrice, who is seen as an “option to support” Tierney next season.

The Hoops making an approach may be a concern for Rangers, considering they had been expecting to win the race for the former Hearts man, who joined AEK Athens in a £2m deal last summer.

Marcelo Saracchi left “gutted” by Celtic departure

Celtic’s desire to sign a new left-back stems from their failure to sign Marcelo Saracchi on a permanent basis, with their former loanee returning to parent club Boca Juniors earlier this month.

However, Saracchi has made it clear that exiting Parkhead wasn’t his intention, saying: “I’m writing this to say goodbye. We had an intense, beautiful year together where we achieved so many of our goals.

“My agent and I did absolutely everything within our power to make a return to Glasgow happen. I’m truly gutted that I won’t be able to continue at the club.

“However, I know our paths will cross again in the future. I wish you all nothing but the best for what’s ahead. Thank you for everything.”

O’Neill may also be tasked with signing a new central midfielder this summer, as Arne Engels has now asked to leave, amid widespread interest from the Premier League.