Hoops star could take place of former Rangers man
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has been the subject of ‘firm’ transfer interest from Everton as ex Rangers right back Nathan Patterson looks headed for the Hill Dickinson exit door.
Toffees boss David Moyes will be without captain Seamus Coleman next season after his contract expired last month, ending his17 year association with the club. Johnston, 27, has been identified as a potential replacement for the Irishman with Moyes reportedly keen on a move worth up to eight figures. The Canada international missed large portions of last season due a recurring hamstring but has been a consistent figure throughout his three years in Glasgow.
Patterson, 24, has also struggled with injuries in recent years and hasn’t been able to make his mark since moving from Ibrox to Merseyside in 2022. The Scotland international was found himself on the bench for the majority of last season, behind Jake O’Brien in the selection pecking order at right back, despite the Irishman preferring to play more centrally. In turn, a European switch has become a viable option for the Rangers product.
Johnston made 11 Celtic appearances last season.placeholder image
Johnston made 11 Celtic appearances last season. | Getty Images
Celtic stalwart could replace former Rangers man
According to the Herald: “Everton are preparing to firm up their interest in Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston. Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson is drawing strong interest from clubs in Germany, Spain and Italy, while Seamus Coleman has also called time on his career. Johnston played all five games for Canada at the World Cup finals and is on a shortlist of replacements.”
The same report suggest Everton would be willing to fork out £10m for Johnston, who is under contract at Parkhead until 2029. Should he leave, Celtic would have a challenging task replacing their first choice right back, who’s won nine major trophies so far. Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston are the current back ups in this area for the Hoops. Johnston has made 122 appearances in a green and white jersey since signing from Montreal.
Defender has struggled for game time on Merseyside.placeholder image
Defender has struggled for game time on Merseyside. | Getty Images
European interest emerges for Patterson
It’s been a frustrating few years for the Everton man, who doesn’t appear to be a part of Moyes’ plans going forward. La Liga side Sevilla have expressed an interest, as well as Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, who’ve reportedly already made contact with his representatives.
Last week. Everton Roundtable reported: “Everton full-back Nathan Patterson is attracting interest from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, who are pursuing a deal to secure his signature. Patterson played just 240 minutes in the Premier League last season for Everton and has only managed to start 29 Premier League games since he joined the club from Rangers.”
All in, Patterson spent 13 years in Govan and was success story from the academy ranks into the first team. He was given his first chance in 2020 under Steven Gerrard, when at times, at the age of 19, he was keeping then captain James Tavernier out of the team. Rangers cashed in on the defender in January 2022 as they accepted a £16m bid from the Toffees.