Celtic's Alistair Johnston Set for Premier League Move

Celtic find themselves in a familiar summer stand-off: a key player keen on the Premier League, serious money on the table, and a board in no rush to blink.

According to the Daily Record, a Premier League club have lodged an opening offer of £12 million plus add-ons for Alistair Johnston, the Canadian right-back who has quietly become one of Celtic’s most reliable performers. The package, once the extras are factored in, is understood to rise towards £15m.

For a full-back with three years still to run on his Parkhead contract, Celtic believe there is more value to be squeezed from the deal. The club are holding out for an improved structure, aware that English interest rarely arrives just once and that a settled international defender in his prime is not easily replaced.

Johnston, though, has made his position clear. He wants the move. The lure of the Premier League, the level of competition, the profile – it has all been laid out to Celtic officials during this window. His head, by all accounts, is already turning south.

That tension between player ambition and club valuation now defines the negotiation. No agreement has been struck, but the mood around the deal is shifting. Reports suggest a compromise is expected to be “thrashed out”, with a growing acceptance that Johnston is likely to leave Glasgow before the window closes.

Martin O’Neill's Comments

Martin O’Neill, speaking about the situation and the interest from Everton, offered a glimpse into the conversations behind closed doors.

“I've spoken to him on the back of the interest,” the Celtic manager said. “Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.

“But like anything else, your head can get turned very quickly, particularly if it's a really good club.

“He wouldn't leave here for a second-class Premier League club, if there is such a thing, but if a big, big club comes in, it's something you would have to look at. And I think it's only natural as well. If I were a player, I'd be exactly the same.”

That last line cuts to the heart of it. Celtic know they cannot simply slam the door shut when the Premier League comes calling with serious money and serious intent. Johnston knows this might be his moment to make the jump.

For now, the numbers are still being argued over. The direction of travel, though, feels unmistakable.