Toffees boss David Moyes remains keen on the Hoops defender
Celtic right back Alistair Johnston reportedly ‘wants to join’ Everton amid transfer speculation - and Toffees hero Anders Limpar hopes Hoops midfielder Benjamin Nygren should join him.
Everton boss David Moyes phoned his Celtic counterpart Martin O’Neill earlier this month to inform him that they’re after the Canadian. Johnston, 27, has been a consistent figure at the back for Celtic ever since his transfer from Montreal in 2023. After three-and-a-half successful seasons, as well as an impressive 2026 World Cup with Canada, he is now edging closer to taking the Premier League plunge.
Nygren, 25, claimed earlier this year he also has ambitions to play in the ‘biggest leagues’. His Swedish compatriot Limpar - who won the 1995 FA Cup with Everton - would also like to see him test himself south of the border. Nygren nodded in Celtic’s only goal in their opening day victory over Dundee after being last season’s club top scorer in his debut campaign.
Celtic star ‘wants to join’ Everton
According to the Liverpool Echo, Johnston has informed his current employers that he ‘wants to join’ Everton amid the ongoing transfer speculation. Toffees chiefs are continuing to work on a deal for the defender, however a price hasn’t been agreed as yet with Celtic - who are reportedly holding out for a fee upwards of £15m.
Hoops hero 'wants to join' Everton.placeholder image
Hoops hero 'wants to join' Everton. | Getty Images
Following the retirement of Irish fullback Seamus Coleman, Everton are tasked with replacing a club legend, who spent 17 years on Merseyside. Fellow Irishman Jake O’Brien was Moyes’ first choice at right back last season despite him playing centre back by trade. Former Rangers right back Nathan Patterson has lost his way in the team in recent years and has been linked with a move elsewhere.
The timing of the Johnston deal remains something Celtic fans are keeping an eye on. Losing their mainstay at the back only weeks before their crucial Champions League play-off match with no replacement wouldn’t be a good look for the board. Overall, Johnston’s made 123 appearances in Hoops colours and has helped the club to nine major trophies.
Celtic midfielder also urged to move south of the border.placeholder image
Celtic midfielder also urged to move south of the border. | Getty Images
Nygren urged to follow suit
Former Everton winger Lindars believes his countryman Nygren is now ready to take the ‘step’ to a club with a similar stature to Everton. He said: “I like Benjamin Nygren a lot. He only played a couple of games for Sweden at the World Cup, but he would be a very good player in a Premier League side after what he’s shown at Celtic, he can make that step now.
“The Scottish league is very tough and he has proven he can handle it. It’s probably even tougher than the Premier League when it comes to the tackles. It would be good for Sweden too if somebody had a go at signing him this summer. Maybe Aston Villa or Newcastle United? He can score goals and create goals too, I think he would score 15 goals in the Premier League playing for a club like Everton.”
Celtic’s output machine recorded 21 goals and 9 assists last season and was an integral part of their domestic-double winning campaign. Tottenham and Everton are among the clubs reportedly tracking the player, however no official, accepted formal bid has materialised yet. With Nygren under contract until 2029, with the option of a further year, Celtic would be in a strong negotiating position, should any bids come along. They would also likely turn a healthy profit from the £1.7m they forked out to Danish side Nordsjaelland in June 2025 for the Swede.