Celtic initiate transfer move to sign ex-Hearts player James Penrice.

Celtic have reportedly stepped up their search for additional defensive reinforcements by making an approach for former Hearts left-back James Penrice as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.

According to reports, the Scottish champions have opened discussions with Greek club AEK Athens regarding the possibility of bringing the 27-year-old back to Scotland. The move comes as Brendan Rodgers looks to add greater depth at left-back following Kieran Tierney’s return to the club.

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Celtic have already made initial contact with AEK as they assess Penrice as a potential option to provide competition and cover for Tierney throughout the upcoming campaign.

The interest represents another significant development in Celtic’s busy summer recruitment plans, with the club continuing to identify players capable of strengthening several positions before the transfer window closes.

Penrice only moved to Greece last year after completing a transfer from Hearts to AEK Athens in 2025. The Edinburgh club received a fee of around £2 million for the defender, who had enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign at Tynecastle before earning his opportunity abroad.

Given that relatively recent transfer, Celtic would almost certainly have to offer more than the amount AEK originally paid if they hope to persuade the Greek club to part with the defender after only one season.

Although Penrice has spent a relatively short period in Greece, he has featured regularly for AEK since making the switch.

The former Livingston defender has made 33 appearances for the Athens-based club across all competitions. While he has registered only one assist during that spell, his consistent involvement demonstrates that he has established himself as a trusted member of the squad.

Before his move overseas, Penrice enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Hearts despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the club’s season.

Operating primarily as an attacking left-back, he featured in 46 matches in all competitions while contributing significantly in the final third.

The defender scored two goals and produced seven assists, underlining both his defensive reliability and his ability to influence matches going forward.

Those performances attracted widespread attention and ultimately convinced AEK Athens to invest in the Scottish defender.

Now, just one year later, Penrice could be on course for another transfer if Celtic decide to pursue their interest further.

The Scottish Premiership champions are understood to be searching for another left-back after failing to reach an agreement over the return of Marcelo Saracchi.

The Uruguayan defender had been linked with another spell at Celtic, but negotiations did not result in a deal, forcing the club to explore alternative options.

As a result, Rodgers and the club’s recruitment team have turned their attention toward Penrice, who offers valuable experience in Scottish football while also fulfilling important squad registration requirements.

One of the attractions surrounding a potential deal is Penrice’s status as a homegrown player.

Because he developed within the Scottish football system, he would help Celtic meet UEFA’s homegrown player regulations for European competition.

That factor adds extra value beyond his qualities on the pitch, especially as clubs competing regularly in continental tournaments must carefully manage their squad registration quotas.

From a footballing perspective, Penrice is viewed as someone capable of providing dependable cover for Tierney without significantly weakening the team whenever rotation becomes necessary.

Tierney is expected to be Celtic’s undisputed first-choice left-back following his return to Parkhead.

However, given the demanding schedule involving domestic and European competitions, Rodgers is keen to ensure quality alternatives are available whenever squad rotation or injuries require changes.

Penrice’s experience in both the Scottish Premiership and the Greek Super League suggests he possesses the maturity needed to step into the side whenever called upon.

At 27 years of age, he is entering what many consider the peak years of a professional footballer’s career.

That combination of experience and room for further improvement makes him an attractive option for a club competing on multiple fronts.

A move back to Scotland could also appeal to the player personally.

Returning closer to home while joining the country’s dominant club may present an opportunity that is difficult to ignore, particularly with regular involvement in European football also on offer.

Should the transfer materialise, Penrice would become another player making the journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow after previously establishing himself in the Scottish Premiership.

His versatility and familiarity with the domestic game could allow him to settle quickly within Rodgers’ squad.

The search for additional competition at left-back became even more important after Saracchi’s proposed return failed to materialise.

The 28-year-old had remained highly regarded by many Celtic supporters following his previous spell at the club.

He also played a decisive role during Celtic’s dramatic final-day victory over Hearts last season.

In that crucial fixture, Saracchi delivered the defence-splitting pass that unlocked the Hearts back line, allowing Callum Osmand to square the ball into the path of Daizen Maeda, who finished the move to give Celtic the lead in a match that proved decisive.

Despite those memorable contributions, Celtic were ultimately unable to complete another deal for the Uruguayan defender.

Attention has therefore shifted toward Penrice as a realistic alternative capable of filling the same squad role.

While Celtic continue exploring defensive reinforcements, they are simultaneously progressing with several other transfer pursuits.

One of the closest deals appears to involve German midfielder Mika Baur.

The highly rated 22-year-old is expected to arrive from SC Paderborn in a deal reportedly worth around £4 million.

Baur enjoyed an outstanding season in Germany, producing performances that earned him the club’s Player of the Year award.

His contributions also helped Paderborn secure promotion to the Bundesliga, increasing his reputation as one of the division’s brightest midfield talents.

Celtic are hopeful that his arrival will strengthen their midfield options ahead of another campaign challenging for domestic trophies while competing in Europe.

Beyond Baur, the Scottish champions continue monitoring several additional targets.

Reports indicate that striker Kasper Hogh remains firmly on Celtic’s shortlist as they seek further attacking reinforcements.

The Danish forward has been linked with a move to Glasgow throughout the summer and is believed to be available should negotiations progress.

Another player attracting Celtic’s interest is winger Haissem Hassan.

The wide attacker has also been identified as a potential signing capable of adding creativity and pace to Rodgers’ attacking options.

Like Hogh, Hassan is understood to be available for transfer during the current window, giving Celtic further opportunities to strengthen before the new season begins.

As recruitment activity continues across several positions, Penrice’s name has now emerged as another serious option.

Whether discussions with AEK Athens develop into a formal transfer remains to be seen, but Celtic’s reported inquiry highlights the club’s determination to build greater depth throughout the squad.

With Tierney expected to play a leading role this season, securing reliable support at left-back remains a priority, and Penrice’s combination of Scottish experience, European eligibility and consistent performances makes him an appealing candidate as the champions continue shaping their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.