Alistair Johnston on the touchline for Celtic with David Moyes in circular inset
Alistair Johnston on the touchline for Celtic with David Moyes in circular inset
Celtic's Alistair Johnston was one of the top Everton targets to solve their right-back issue in the summer.
The Canadian defender emerged as a candidate throughout the summer window, with David Moyes personally calling Martin O'Neill about a potential deal.
However, an agreement could not be reached, with the Glasgow club holding out for a fee above what the Toffees were prepared to pay.
Any chance of a late move was then knocked back when the Celtic defender picked up an injury during the window.
It left the Hill Dickinson side having to look elsewhere, with a solution only found in the closing days of the window.
But while they may have missed out on one of their top targets, there will be a sigh of relief at Everton now.
Everton avoid £15m Alistair Johnston mistake
Johnston has had some tough injury issues over the last year, with him missing 57 games for club and country in 2025-26.
This season, those issues have been re-emerging with the 28-year-old already missing 14 matches this campaign.
The Everton target, though, did return to action over the weekend; however, another blow would land his way.
After being brought off the bench in the 52nd minute against Hibernian, the Canadian international had to be taken off in the 73rd due to what is feared to be a hamstring injury.
For Everton, there will be some sense of relief, as these injury issues could well have been their problem to deal with.
Everton were prepared to pay £15million to sign Johnston, but his recent record suggests Celtic may have done Moyes a favour.
Johnston's quality may still make him an attractive option, but whether he is a player the Toffees ever look to revisit should be an unlikely circumstance.
Everton still have issues at right-back
The arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles has done little to address Moyes' issues at right-back.
And that is evident through his use of Merlin Rohl out of position at fullback.
Another right-back will be needed in L3, whether in January or next summer, with the Scotsman having just one natural option.
While Johnston may have once been a prime target, with these injury issues, it would be wise to completely take him off the list.
It is unfortunate for the defender, but his recent history is becoming too much of a risk to take on.