Alistair Johnston of Celtic arrives during the Premier Sports Cup Semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, Glasgow / Chris Sutton, former professional player and pundit looks on prior to the Viaplay Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on February 26, 2023
Alistair Johnston of Celtic arrives during the Premier Sports Cup Semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, Glasgow / Chris Sutton, former professional player and pundit looks on prior to the Viaplay Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on February 26, 2023
The 27-year-old right-back played the full 90 minutes as the Hoops won 1-0 at Celtic Park, with the only goal coming from Benjamin Nygren.
Celtic Park has been the subject of intense transfer rumours this summer, with Arne Engels and Johnston expected to join Daizen Maeda through the exit doors.
So far, O'Neill has only been able to add Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh to the squad this summer, and the manager could be about to lose more key figures.
Football Insider understands from well-placed sources that Celtic will accept £14million for their Canadian full-back, who joined CF Montreal in 2023 following a summer of rumours.
Given Everton's desperate need for a player in that position, it seems like a matter of time before a deal is completely, but Chris Sutton has sent one last rallying cry to the owners.
Alistair Johnston can only leave for 'silly money'
Despite his injury issues in 2025-26, Johnston clearly remains a key figure for the Hoops, and Sutton is not ready to lose his services unless a replacement is being readied.
After the game, Sutton wrote: "Job done for Celtic... Should've, could've won by more but three points is the most important thing. Wasn't Hogh's night but patience required.
"Absolutely loved seeing [Cameron] Carter-Vickers back... he's been missed. The club should not sell Alistair Johnston unless it's silly money..."
Job done for Celtic… should’ve, could’ve won by more but three points is the most important thing. Wasn’t Hogh’s night but patience required. Absolutely loved seeing Carter Vickers back… he’s been missed. The club should not sell Alastair Johnston unless it’s silly money…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) August 3, 2026
Proven by his 2024-25 season, Johnston is just as important in the final third as he is defensively, registering 12 of his 23 assists for Celtic in that single campaign.
What do Johnston's stats vs Dundee say?
Most supporters take stats from the Scottish Premiership with a pinch of salt, but it was an impressive display from the right-back, nonetheless.
In 90 minutes, he completed 79 per cent of his passes, had three touches inside the opposition penalty area, and made nine passes into the final third [FotMob].
He made two tackles, six clearances, four of which were headed, two interceptions and two recoveries, and only committing one foul.
Johnston won 80 per cent of his ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels, as well as winning two fouls in to frustrate the opposition.