13h May 2026; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Alistair Johnston has reportedly told Celtic manager Martin O’Neill that he wants to pursue the chance to play in the Premier League, with Everton still pushing to sign the Canadian international.
According to The Liverpool Echo, Johnston has informed Celtic of his desire to make the move south as David Moyes looks to strengthen his options at right-back.
Johnston’s future has been under the spotlight in recent days after Martin O’Neill confirmed Moyes had made contact to state their interest. The reported initial offer of £12 million, plus a further £3 million in add-ons, feels below what many Celtic supporters would expect for a player of his quality and experience.
At 27, Johnston has already shown he can perform in high-pressure environments for both club and country. With three years remaining on his contract, Celtic are under no pressure to accept an offer that falls short of their valuation.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has already urged the club not to be lowballed if Everton continue their pursuit.
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.
Johnston’s value has only increased despite an injury-hit campaign. He missed the bulk of last season after being forced off during Celtic’s Europa League clash with Sturm Graz in October.
He returned in time for the defining weeks of the season, re-establishing himself in the starting XI as Celtic secured another domestic double. He then headed off with Canada for his second World Cup, helping his country reach the last 16 for the first time.
Despite the growing speculation, there has been little sign of a player looking to force an exit.
Johnston played the full 90 minutes as Celtic opened their Premiership campaign with victory over Dundee and, afterwards, joined his team-mates for the traditional lap of appreciation with the supporters.
Nothing about his conduct suggests he is preparing to create problems in an effort to push through a transfer, nor has a fee been agreed between the clubs.
That said, if Johnston has made it clear he wants the move, Celtic now face an important decision.
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.
The fee has to reflect both his ability and the position the club find themselves in. Selling one of the first-choice full-backs days before a crucial Champions League play-off would carry obvious risks.
With less than two weeks until that tie, timing is everything.
If Johnston leaves before then without a replacement already through the door, Celtic would head into one of the biggest matches of their season weaker than they are today.
The squad needs strengthening as it stands, and given the pace at which the hierarchy is known to work, a Johnston replacement is unlikely to be ready and waiting.