Hoops star’s profile was raised after a strong World Cup
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has reportedly become the latest player to attract outside interest as Everton boss David Moyes ‘weighs up’ his options.
The 27-year old spent large parts of last season out injured with a recurring hamstring issue but returned for the run-in. After performing well for co-hosts Canada at the World Cup as they reached the last 16 stage for the first time in their history, English Premier League clubs now could be after Johnston, who is under contract at Celtic Park until the summer of 2029.
The news surfaces just as another Hoops fan favourite Daizen Maeda looks headed for the exit door. Ipswich Town have agreed a deal in principle with Celtic up to £10m for the energetic attacker. Colombian striker Camilo Duran remains Celtic’s only incoming transfer of the window so far, however they’re also now looking at Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur.
Johnston struggled with a hamstring issue last season.placeholder image
Johnston struggled with a hamstring issue last season. | Getty Images
Moyes ‘weighs up’ options for Johnston
According to the Sun, as well as Maeda, Johnston could be headed for the exit door. They claim: “Everton could also attempt to bring Hoops ace Alistair Johnston to the Premier League - as boss David Moyes weighs up a bid for the Canadian. The 27-year-old has already been linked with a summer move to Fulham and O’Neill is braced for EPL bids.”
Since signing from MLS side Montreal in January 2023, Johnston has been a mainstay at right back for Celtic when fit and with nine major honours to his name at Parkhead, he’s proved to be a standard setter in recent years. The Canadian has scored seven goals in his 122 Hoops appearances to date.
Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements at full back following veteran Seamus Coleman’s retirement. The Toffees are also at risk of losing former Rangers man Nathan Patterson, who has been linked with a move elsewhere. As well as Johnston, Moyes also has his eye on West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
Johnston played in all five of Canada's matches at the World Cup.placeholder image
Johnston played in all five of Canada's matches at the World Cup. | AFP via Getty Images
World Cup heroics attracts new interest for Johnston
The defender has 63 Canada caps to his name and despite his fitness issues, was never realistically at risk from being omitted from manager Jesse Marsch’s 26-man squad for their home tournament. Johnston played every minute for history-making the Canucks before they were knocked out by Morocco in the last 16.
Maeda was also in the same boat for Japan as he helped them reach the same stage. After a strong end to the domestic season with Celtic, his World Cup showing only increased potential suitors, as he now edges closer and closer to the Parkhead exit door.