2nd November 2025; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premier Sports Cup semi final, Rangers versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Alistair Johnston’s proposed move to Everton has reportedly hit a stumbling block after the Premier League side failed to meet Celtic’s valuation of the Canadian international.
David Moyes identified Johnston as a replacement for club legend Séamus Coleman, with interest from the Merseyside club gathering pace in recent days.
Martin O’Neill had already confirmed that Moyes had been in touch over the possibility of making an official move for the defender, adding further weight to the speculation.
According to Record Sport, however, negotiations have now stalled. Everton are said to have fallen short of Celtic’s asking price and are now exploring alternative options instead of pushing ahead with a deal.
Celtic are reportedly standing firm in their valuation, with the club believed to want more than £15 million before considering the sale of a player who remains under contract for another three years.
That stance is understandable.
3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Johnston has developed into one of Celtic’s most consistent performers since arriving from CF Montreal in January 2023 in a deal worth around £3 million. Signed shortly after representing Canada at the 2022 World Cup, he settled quickly in Glasgow and has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
His reliability, fitness and consistency have made him a key figure, while his experience at international level only strengthens Celtic’s position in negotiations.
The report claims Everton are aware that Johnston would welcome the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, making the current situation all the more interesting.
A player’s willingness to leave does not automatically dictate the outcome, particularly when Celtic are under no financial pressure to sell and hold a strong contractual position.
If Everton are unwilling to reach the asking price, Celtic have little reason to compromise.
The Parkhead club have made it clear that they expect higher fees for players regarded as important to the first team. Johnston comfortably falls into that category.
For now, the transfer appears to have lost momentum. Unless Everton return with an improved offer that matches Celtic’s valuation, the Premier League side look set to move on to other targets while Johnston remains in Glasgow.