Celtic look set to miss out on a potential Greg Taylor replacement as another Scottish player looks destined for Greece. Taylor ended his six year stay at Celtic earlier this week with a free transfer to PAOK.
Celtic were linked with a couple of moves for Scottish born fullbacks to supplement Kieran Tierney in the left back position. Josh Doig was one but another was Hearts’ James Penrice.
However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the ex-Livi fullback is set to make the move to AEK Athens this summer. Posting on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that PFA Scotland Team of the Year featured defender would move to Greece.
🚨🇬🇷 Excl: AEK Athens agree deal to sign James Penrice from Scottish side Hearts.
Penrice was Player of the Season last season for Hearts and he will now move to Greece soon. 🟡⚫️ pic.twitter.com/ImRBWi5m3t
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2025
Celtic had spied the Hearts player as an option having scouted him throughout the season. Although, Brendan’s side made no formal approach for the player. Penrice made 46 appearances for Hearts during a dismal campaign for the Jambos, scoring twice and assisting on seven occasions.
Brendan will look to bring in another left back to provide cover for KT. Albeit, Japanese defender Hayato Inamura is set to arrive in Glasgow.
The 23 year old left-footed defender played his last game for Albirex Niigata at the weekend and is expected to make a £300k switch.
i cant understand why brenden rodgers wont give .the polish lad bought for £4 million a run in the team . navrockie not sure i spelt name right as been top draw when given a chance . now it looks like a new defender from japan is due to arrive , wonder if he will get a game or just be another squad player .
I think Inamura will be cover for the defenders leaving; as well as developing his own game. The likes of Nawrocki and Welsh.
Totally agree about Maik Nawrocki, Steven Welsh rarely let the side down as well. Also Lagerbielke hasn’t been given a real chance in the side. We are not only wasting money on these players but also wasting their careers by not giving them a fair crack at the whip! If experienced players are being mismanaged what chance have the kids got coming through?. In my opinion it’s Scales and perhaps Trusty that should be back up to Nawrocki not the other way around. I fear for Inamura’s chances if he signs.