SH0CKING TRANSFER! Former Hearts Defender REJECTS Rangers to Join Celtic in Massive Parkhead Coup!
Recent reports have linked Celtic with a move for ex Hearts star, with the Scottish left-back finding himself on the radar of multiple clubs.
He joined AEK Athens from Hearts in a £2 million deal last summer and has enjoyed an impressive first season in Greece. The 27-year-old made 33 appearances in all competitions and helped the club lift the Greek Super League title.
His name has also been mentioned in connection with Rangers, but that speculation has now been played down by those close to the player.
Greek football insider Antonis Oikonomides says there is no substance to suggestions of a move to Ibrox, despite the rumours continuing to circulate.
Speaking on SPORT24’s YouTube show Box2Box, he said:
“Rangers have always been a constant, unchanging focal point within this circle of Penrice’s admirers.
“I didn’t see it happening when we were discussing it during the previous transfer window, I didn’t see it before this one even started, and I don’t see it now that the Rangers name has resurfaced.
“What is clear is that Rangers are not interested. So, for goodness’ sake, just so I’m not misunderstood or say anything out of line, it’s being said that there is no interest from Rangers – and that there still isn’t – for Penrice.”
While dismissing Rangers as a destination, Oikonomides suggested Celtic could be a different story.
“There is an open door, a small window of opportunity for Celtic.
“Let me remind you that Celtic wanted him before he came to AEK from Hearts.
“Because he is on a list for Celtic, who are looking for a player in that position, that’s worth keeping an eye on.” [RecordSport]
It is worth stressing that, at this stage, Celtic have not submitted a formal offer. Reports suggest the club have simply made an enquiry over Penrice’s availability, with nothing more advanced than that.
Even so, the need for another left-back is obvious.
Following Marcelo Saracchi’s departure after his loan spell, Kieran Tierney is currently the only recognised senior option in the position. With the Premiership campaign now just a couple of weeks away and European football again on the schedule, that is not a situation Celtic can afford to carry into the season.
Tierney’s quality is beyond question, but expecting him to shoulder the workload across four competitions would be asking for trouble. Competition and cover are essential, not optional.
Penrice would arrive with experience, confidence and momentum after a successful year in Greece. He also knows Scottish football well, having impressed during his time at Partick Thistle and Livingston before earning his move to Hearts and then AEK.
He is not the only name under consideration. Dundee United left-back Will Ferry has also been linked with Celtic after an excellent campaign at Tannadice. The Republic of Ireland international is reportedly available for around £1.7 million and remains another viable option as the club assess the market.
The important point is that Celtic appear to be actively looking to strengthen at left-back. That should come as no surprise given the current lack of depth.
Whether Penrice is the player they ultimately move for, or whether attention turns towards Ferry or another target entirely, adding another senior left-back has to be one of the priorities before the transfer window closes. There is still work to be done, and with the new season fast approaching, Celtic cannot leave themselves short in such a key area.