Celtic's Alistair Johnston Eyes Premier League Move
Celtic find themselves in familiar summer territory: a key player wanted in England, serious money on the table, and a firm stance from the boardroom.
According to the Daily Record, a Premier League club have lodged an opening offer of £12 million plus add-ons for Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston, a bid that could rise to around £15m once the full package is triggered. With three years still to run on his Parkhead contract, Celtic know they hold a strong hand – and they are playing it.
The club are pushing for an improved deal, aware that this is the moment to maximise value for a defender who has grown into a mainstay and a fan favourite. The message from Celtic is clear: they will not be rushed, and they will not be lowballed.
Johnston’s position is just as clear. The 25-year-old is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League and has made that known to Celtic officials during the window. For a player who has risen quickly through MLS, international football with Canada and now the Scottish champions, England’s top flight represents the next logical step – and he is ready for it.
The expectation, according to reports, is that a deal will be “thrashed out” before the window closes, with Johnston likely to move on from Glasgow this summer once the numbers land in the right place for Celtic.
Manager's Comments
Manager Martin O’Neill has already spoken to his defender in the wake of the interest, and his comments underline the delicate balance between ambition and loyalty that defines modern transfers.
“I've spoken to him on the back of the interest,” O’Neill said when asked about Everton’s pursuit of Johnston. “Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.
“But like anything else, your head can get turned very quickly, particularly if it's a really good club.
“He wouldn't leave here for a second-class Premier League club, if there is such a thing, but if a big, big club comes in, it's something you would have to look at. And I think it's only natural as well. If I were a player, I'd be exactly the same.”
That last line cuts to the heart of the situation. Celtic have a settled, content player, but they also have a realist. Johnston knows opportunities at the very top do not come around often. Celtic know it too.
So the stalemate is only partial. The fee is the real battleground. Once that falls into place, the right-back who has thundered up and down the Parkhead touchline may soon be doing the same in the Premier League – and Celtic will be judged on how well they have cashed in, and how quickly they can replace him.
