Chris Sutton believes Celtic should make one thing crystal clear if Everton come calling again for Alistair Johnston.
Don’t answer the phone.
The former Hoops striker has weighed in after Martin O’Neill confirmed Everton have made contact over the Canadian international, with David Moyes personally informing the Celtic manager that an approach would be made.
23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Speaking ahead of Monday night’s Premiership opener against Dundee, O’Neill revealed discussions had taken place but insisted nothing currently on the table comes close to Celtic’s valuation.
“Everton have been in contact,” O’Neill told Sky Sports.
“I’m not sure whether there has been a bid in for that one. In fairness, David did call me last weekend to tell me that there would be contact. But I don’t know how far that has progressed, or if it has at all.”
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim greets Celtic manager Martin O’Neill ahead of the pre-season friendly match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday July 25, 2026.
Johnston remains under contract until 2029, leaving Celtic firmly in control of the situation. O’Neill also suggested the defender is happy in Glasgow, while acknowledging how quickly things can change during a transfer window when Premier League interest arrives.
Writing in his latest Record Sport column, Sutton made it clear he believes Celtic should resist any temptation to cash in before one crucial hurdle has been negotiated.
“Everton have made a move but Celtic simply can’t afford to lose him right now.”
Sutton has already argued Celtic should have delayed Daizen Maeda’s departure until after the Champions League play-off, and he feels exactly the same about Johnston.
“The Premier League doesn’t kick off until August 22, which is after the play-off first leg. Celtic shouldn’t be answering the phone until after then, because how the heck would you replace someone like Johnston for the biggest game of the season?”
3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
It’s difficult to argue with Sutton’s assessment when considering Johnston’s influence during last season’s title-winning campaign.
After returning from a lengthy injury lay-off following the split, the Canadian became one of Celtic’s most important performers as Martin O’Neill’s side mounted an unlikely run to secure the Scottish Premiership title. His energy and leadership on the right flank were sorely missed during his absence, only reinforcing his value once he returned.
Sutton also pointed to Celtic’s recent experience of trying to find cover at right-back, highlighting how difficult it is to replace a player of Johnston’s calibre.
“He’s a massive player on the pitch and a leader in the dressing room.”
“We saw last season when Celtic drafted in Julian Araujo from Bournemouth. That was a player who was on EPL money and had played at a high level, but he was still short of the standards set by Johnston.”
With three years remaining on Johnston’s contract, Celtic are under no financial pressure to sell this summer. It’s thought it would take an offer in the region of £15 million to £20 million before the Scottish champions would even begin to consider doing business.