Celtic are in talks to sign James Penrice from AEK Athens, with the player keen to return to Scotland and join O'Neill's men. The 27-year-old is expected to be a back-up for Kieran Tierney in defense, but has also been promised game time as Celtic intend to compete in multiple competitions again next season. Penrice would not need time to adapt to Scottish football.

According to Greek football insider Antonis Oikonomides, there is an opportunity for Celtic regarding James Penrice. Oikonomides also said that Celtic wanted the player before he came to AEK from Hearts.

Celtic are in discussions with James Penrice, a full-back for AEK Athens. The player is reportedly interested in a return to Scotland with the Hoops. According to sources, Penrice is receptive to the move, which he views as an opportunity for regular play in front of passionate fans at Celtic Park and for European football.

Celtic have made an enquiry about AEK Athens left back James Penrice, and it is anticipated that the former Hearts defender will cost approximately £4m.

According to Record Sport, Celtic have made an enquiry for James Penrice and have made initial contact with AEK Athens over the left-back's availability. Penrice is considered a possible target for the Scottish champions. The defender has made 33 appearances for AEK Athens since joining from Hearts in a £2million deal last summer. The former Partick Thistle and Livingston defender has been monitored by Rangers for the last six months. Record Sport previously reported that former manager Danny Rohl was an admirer of the defender and asked the club's technical director Dan Purdy to check on his performances in Greece. However, Derek McInnes has not yet revived the initial interest in the 27-year-old.

Celtic have reportedly shown interest in the Scottish player James Penrice and have made an initial inquiry about the 27-year-old AEK left-back. AEK acquired Penrice from Hearts in the summer of 2025 for a reported fee of €2.3 million, and he signed a contract that runs until 2028. Penrice has also been linked with Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, and Norwich City, and AEK reportedly rejected a bid from Rangers in January 2026.