With Kieran Tierney announced yesterday as returning to Celtic, it was inevitable there would be further rumours surrounding who the support act would be for next season…
Then there’s Greg Taylor who is seemingly Greece bound with PAOK, there opens up space in Celtic’s squad for a left back capable of allowing Tierney time to be rotated and have his game time managed, hopefully a bit better than we managed first time around.
Celtic have already been linked with Keita Kosugi from Djurgårdens IF and with Peterborough United youngster Harley Mills, who we have previously discussed on The Celtic Star, and today there are two more left back links for Celtic to consider.
The first link came via two sources today, and because there was more than one I’d be willing to consider there may be some merit in Celtic’s interest even if the finances may be a stumbling block, whilst the latter may be more affordable it is perhaps a little underwhelming.
First up is Josh Doig. He’s been linked via Ben Jacobs, who makes a semi-regular appearance on Talksport and Graeme Bailey a former Manchester United scout who writes with TBR Football.
Celtic are interested in Josh Doig. Former Hibs left-back is currently at Sassuolo.
Doig looked at by Watford in the past as well.🏴
🤝 @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/0tCV35oI3a
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 11, 2025
Celtic are showing interest in newly capped Scotland international Josh Doig.
With @garyyyk_ for @67HailHail https://t.co/bUcOSJXPWE
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) June 11, 2025
Doig made got his first Scotland cap as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Lichtenstein and has just been promoted to Serie A with his club Sassuolo. He joined them from Hellas Verona in January 2024 and prior to Verona had come through the ranks with Hibernian.
Now 23, Doig is really beginning to establish himself as an attack minded full-back and he wouldn’t have made a Steve Clarke squad unless he was defensively adept to boot. He has played both as a left back and at left midfield and is a regular for his club side, making 29 appearances in Serie B last season.
There were rumours earlier this week that Doig was on the move, so transfer links should probably come as no surprise. However, if there is any veracity in the rumours then you’d have to assume Doig may be heading to Juventus rather than Celtic, as the Italian side had been linked with a 12.6m euros bid for the player in the Italian media – Sport Mediaset via UltimateJuve.
It is of course possible Doig is looking to move back to the UK and also worth considering the price tag may be well off the mark, but in truth it would have to be significantly incorrect because it’s unlikely Celtic would pay even half of that figure for a backup left back.
The other perhaps more affordable but less inspiring link is via the Daily Record’s Scott Burns who claims Celtic are looking at Hearts’ James Penrice.
The Edinburgh club only signed Penrice last summer from Livingston, but he did go on to become Hearts supporter’s player of the year last year, although that may be the footballing equivalent of being the best dressed man in Tbilisi.
Penrice is a hard working attacking left back but he’s simply not at the level Celtic should be looking to sign.
Thankfully this one seems not to have gone past the scouting stage with The Record stating:
‘Celtic have scouted Hearts’ James Penrice, but won’t necessarily pursue a deal for the left back.
Penrice was a standout during a poor season for the Jambos last term after joining on a free transfer from Livingston.’
Thankfully it looks like Penrice has been a watching brief so far and Doig, whilst exactly the type of player Celtic should be looking at as a Kieran Tierney understudy, it is also perhaps a long shot given the fee mooted and the interest from Juventus.
If nothing else though it is encouraging to see links to other left backs emerging, as with Greg Taylor likely to be heading out the door at the end of his contract, Celtic will have to find a left back willing to be Tierney’s understudy.
Niall J
SUMMER SALE NOW ON AT CELTICSTARBOOKS.COM – IDEAL FOR FATHER’S DAY SHOPPING, Order today and we’ll post FIRST CLASS immediately!
