It is claimed that Parkhead officials took no further action after making an inquiry to AEK Athens regarding the left-back.
Former Hearts defender Penrice was believed to be considered as an option to support Kieran Tierney and challenge for a starting place.
Celtic currently only have Kieran Tierney at left-back, but Marcelo Saracchi will be without after the player confirmed he will not be moving to Parkhead this summer.
Celtic’s initial request for James Penrice has not been followed up. The deal is not expected to move forward at this time.🍀
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 25, 2026
This means Martin O’Neill is easy at left-back, barring movement. Liam Scales into this role instead of his more familiar position as a centre-back.
Rangers have also been linked with a move for Penrice in recent times. Reports from Greece claim the defender’s January transfer has been rejected.
GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that Penrice’s deal to Celtic will not go ahead.
On X he wrote: “Celtic’s initial inquiry regarding James Penrice has not received a response.
“The deal is not expected to move forward at this time.”