Tempers flare between Rangers' Tuur Rommens and Celtic's Alistair Johnston during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday May 10, 2026.
Alistair Johnston looks to be edging closer to the Celtic exit door after a fresh report claimed Everton are closing in on a deal for the Canadian international.
Johnston has informed Celtic that he is keen on making the move to Merseyside, although negotiations between the two clubs are still ongoing. [Record Sport]
Everton are understood to have put together a package worth around £12 million up front, with further add-ons taking the total value towards the £15 million mark. Celtic, however, are looking for a better overall deal before giving the green light.
23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
It represents another significant development in a transfer saga that has gathered pace over the past week. Martin O’Neill recently confirmed there had been contact from Everton regarding the defender, while stressing Johnston himself remained fully committed to Celtic.
If an agreement is close to being reached, attention will inevitably turn to Monday night’s Premiership opener against Dundee.
It would be no surprise if supporters questioned whether Johnston should start if his departure is considered imminent. At the same time, anyone who has watched him over the past three years knows exactly the type of professional he is. If selected, there is little doubt he would give everything for the shirt, regardless of what may happen before the transfer window closes.
The bigger issue lies beyond Monday night.
Should Johnston leave, Celtic would be left with Anthony Ralston and youngster Colby Donovan as their recognised right-back options. While Ralston has repeatedly proven himself to be a dependable squad player, few supporters would be comfortable heading into a European campaign with that pair as the only choices in the position.
That would surely force Celtic back into the market.
One name that could quickly reappear is Julian Araujo. The Mexican international spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic and, despite injuries limiting his impact, the club know his qualities and he already understands the environment. Whether Bournemouth would sanction another move, or whether Celtic would revisit that option, remains to be seen.
3EECBYP Tempers flare between Rangers’ Tuur Rommens and Celtic’s Alistair Johnston during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday May 10, 2026.
If Johnston does complete a move to Everton, replacing him becomes every bit as important as securing further additions in midfield and attack. Losing arguably the best right-back in Scotland without bringing in genuine competition would leave a glaring weakness in a squad that already needs strengthening before the Champions League play-off round.
Surely Celtic keep a hold of him until after the playoff round of the champions league.