3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic gestures to his team mates for calm
Chris Sutton believes Celtic should be demanding far more than the reported fee being mentioned for Alistair Johnston if the defender is allowed to leave this summer.
Johnston started Celtic’s Scottish Premiership opener on Monday night as the Hoops opened the campaign with a 1-0 win. Benjamin Nygren’s second-half header settled the game, while Johnston completed the full 90 minutes and even finished the match at left-back after Kieran Tierney went off.
His involvement only adds to the debate around his future.
Martin O’Neill confirmed that Everton manager David Moyes had been in touch over the possibility of taking Johnston to the Premier League. With speculation continuing to build, Sutton made it clear where he stands.
Working on co-commentary for Sky Sports, the former Celtic striker questioned why the club would even consider letting Johnston leave unless the offer was impossible to turn down.
3F5RW34 Celtic’s Alistair Johnston (left) and Dundee’s Charlie Reilly battle for the ball during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Monday August 3, 2026.
After the match, he took to social media to say: “Celtic need to show ambition and keep Alistair Johnston… but if they decide to let him go he is worth minimum £25 million.”
Speaking on The Warm-Up, Sutton doubled down on that valuation. He referred to Kieran Tierney’s £25 million departure to Arsenal as a reference point, then added:
“I think Celtic should certainly hold out for something like that.
“I’m seeing the figure £14 million, I don’t get that.”
It is difficult to argue with the point.
Johnston still has three years remaining on his Celtic contract and arrives into this season after another impressive World Cup campaign with Canada, helping his country reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.
Reports suggest the 27-year-old is open to the move, but there has been little sign of a player trying to force Celtic’s hand. He featured from the start on Monday night rather than sitting things out while the speculation continues.
6th October 2024; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Ex Celtic striker Chris Sutton on Sky Sports
Replacing him would be anything but straightforward.
Since arriving after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Johnston has developed into one of Celtic’s most dependable performers. He established himself under Ange Postecoglou, kicked on under Brendan Rodgers and returned from a lengthy injury setback last season to help secure the league title and Scottish Cup under Martin O’Neill.
His contract situation also changes the conversation. With a deal running until 2029, Celtic do not need to accept what many supporters would view as a cut-price offer.
A Champions League play-off is also fast approaching and losing a first-choice full-back without an immediate replacement already lined up would leave a significant hole in the side.
If Everton are serious about signing Johnston, Celtic are entitled to name their price. On the figures currently being discussed, Sutton clearly believes they should be asking for considerably more.