AEK insider reveals James Penrice's Celtic stance as Rangers transfer saga reaches final decision

Rangers’ transfer saga involving James Penrice reaches its final answer

Rangers have closed the door on James Penrice’s future after the defender’s stance on a potential move to Celtic was leaked by an AEK Athens insider. The 24-year-old’s position has now been confirmed to the Ibrox hierarchy, ending weeks of speculation about his next club.

What happened with James Penrice at Rangers?

Penrice, who joined Rangers from Motherwell in January 2024, has spent the past six months at Ibrox but has never nailed down a regular starting spot. His contract runs until summer 2027, but the club have been open to parting ways if the right offer arrives. The defender has been linked with a return to Celtic Park, where he spent two years as a youth player before leaving in 2022.

An AEK insider told Greek media that Penrice is now set to leave Rangers. The defender has reportedly told his agents he would welcome a move to Celtic, a club he still considers home despite his time in Govan. Rangers have held firm on their valuation, but the saga has dragged on since June when initial talks stalled.

Why this matters for Rangers’ squad plans

Rangers sit second in the Premiership with 69 points from last season’s 33-game campaign, six behind champions Heart of Midlothian. Penrice’s exit would free up a defensive spot, though the club have already signed Kieran Tierney’s brother, Ryan, from Celtic. The Ibrox side have also added depth in defence with the arrival of a youngster from the academy, giving manager Philippe Clement options.

Penrice made 12 appearances for Rangers last term, mostly as a substitute. His final outing came in the 5-2 demolition of Falkirk on May 16, 2026, a result that capped a season of inconsistency. The defender’s departure leaves a gap, but the club appear ready to move on after months of deadlock.

What comes next for Rangers and Penrice?

Penrice is expected to finalise talks with Celtic in the coming days, with the Parkhead side keen to reunite him with his boyhood club. Rangers will now focus on their next fixture, a trip to Tynecastle to face Heart of Midlothian on October 28, 2026, knowing their defence has been reshaped before the Premiership restarts.

Rangers ended last season with a goal difference of +35, scoring 66 and conceding 31. They sit one point behind Hearts in the Premiership table as the new campaign edges closer, with Penrice’s exit marking the first major squad change of the close season.