James Penrice's 1.32 and 1.51 stats prove why Celtic must complete transfer

James Penrice is a target for Celtic and his standout statistics from last season at AEK Athens highlight why they need to get a deal done this summer.

Martin O'Neill has been reshaping his defensive options after Celtic clinched the Premiership title late on last season.

The Hoops' main left-back options last term were the returning Kieran Tierney and Boca Juniors loan man Marcelo Saracchi.

Both players impressed at times throughout the campaign, and Celtic were expected to make a permanent move for Saracchi this summer.

They have seemingly decided against doing so after he wished the Parkhead faithful well on social media last week, with widespread reports now claiming that the Hoops have enquired about signing Penrice.

He only left Hearts for AEK last summer, and his impressive performances in Greece show exactly why Celtic are onto a winner right now.

James Penrice has been an outstanding chance creator and crosser in Greece

Athens hold a similar status in Greece to that of Celtic in Scotland, and they won the Super League last season with Penrice as a regular fixture.

The 27-year-old already has extensive Premiership experience from his time at Hearts and Livingston, and he already looks a shrewd option on the face of the move.

Delving deeper into his stats from last season, and Celtic are clearly right to be targeting Penrice when their usual in-game dominance of the ball and the chances is taken into account.

He failed to contribute to a goal last season, but through no fault of his own, after he ended the campaign in the 92nd percentile for chances created per 90 (1.32) when compared to other full-backs in the Super League.

Penrice also delivered 1.51 successful crosses per 90, landing him in the 94th percentile for full-backs in the division.

Other standout stats, like his 2.45 expected assists, 35.9 successful passes per 90, 1.64 touches in the opposition box per 90 and 0.33 possession won in the final third per 90, also prove why he would be smart addition to O'Neill's ranks.

How do those stats compare to Tierney?

Sources had revealed to Football Insider that Celtic were confident of signing Saracchi permanently, but wage demands were believed to end the possibility of a deal being completed.

Penrice could now arrive as new competition to Scotland international Tierney, who registered six goals and eight assists in 35 league games last season.

When their Super League and Premiership stats from 2025-26 are compared, Tierney comes out on top in almost every attacking metric other than possession won in the final third.

Penrice did boast better interception, recovery and tackle stats, however, and would surely be a strong competitor for his compatriot next season.