James Penrice Set to Join AEK Athens After Standout Season at Hearts

AEK Athens have made a deal to sign left-back James Penrice from Heart of Midlothian. Penrice was named Hearts’ Player of the Season after an impressive year.

PENRICE’S TRANSFER TO GREECE CONFIRMED

James Penrice, 26, is set to complete his move to AEK Athens. Hearts accepted a bid close to £2 million. Penrice joined Hearts last season from Livingston and became very important, even as the team struggled in the Scottish Premiership. He was the most consistent player and received the Player of the Season award. Penrice will have a medical check in Greece and join the Greek Super League team soon.

IMPACT ON HEARTS AND AEK ATHENS

Hearts had a tough season, ending in the lower half of the Scottish Premiership table. Penrice played well at left-back. The Edinburgh club is happy to have extended striker Lawrence Shankland’s contract, keeping one of their main attacking players. AEK Athens finished fourth in the Greek Super League, just missing the top spots but securing European qualifiers. The club wants to build a stronger team and believes Penrice will improve their defense next season.

According to a previous report, Olympiacos won the Greek Super League 16 points ahead of second place Panathinaikos.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH CLUBS?

James Penrice will be the second Scottish player this week to join a Greek club after Greg Taylor’s recent move to PAOK. For Hearts, the focus is on rebuilding their team and adding new players before their next match. They aim to do better than last year. AEK Athens, getting ready for the Super League season and European qualifiers, are expected to announce Penrice’s signing soon. They hope he will help them compete with the top three and aim for the title this season.