HERE WE GO! Celtic FC Accept £14 Million Everton Bid as Alistair Johnston Nears Premier League Switch
Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC appear to be on the verge of sanctioning one of the biggest outgoing transfers of their summer, with reports suggesting the club have accepted a £14 million offer from Everton for Canadian international full-back Alistair Johnston. The proposed deal, which could rise to approximately £15 million through performance-related add-ons, represents another major piece of transfer business for both clubs as preparations continue ahead of the new season.
While neither club has officially confirmed the transfer at the time of writing, multiple reports indicate that negotiations have reached an advanced stage, with only the final contractual details and medical examinations remaining before Johnston completes his move to Merseyside.
The transfer is expected to see the Canadian defender leave Celtic after a highly successful spell in Glasgow, where he established himself as one of the Scottish Premiership’s finest full-backs and became a key player under the club’s management.
Everton Finally Land Their Defensive Target
Everton have spent much of the summer looking to strengthen their defensive options, and Alistair Johnston has reportedly emerged as one of the club’s priority targets.
Known for his relentless work rate, defensive discipline, and ability to contribute in attack, Johnston is viewed as a player capable of adapting quickly to the intensity and physical demands of the Premier League.
The Toffees believe the Canadian international possesses the ideal qualities needed to improve their right side of defence. His ability to overlap, deliver dangerous crosses, recover possession, and maintain defensive solidity has made him one of Europe’s most underrated full-backs over the past two seasons.
Everton’s recruitment team reportedly monitored Johnston extensively before deciding to submit their offer, convinced that his experience at both club and international level makes him an ideal addition.
Celtic Set to Receive Significant Financial Boost
For Celtic, accepting an offer in the region of £14 million represents another example of the club’s impressive transfer strategy.
Since arriving in Glasgow, Johnston has significantly increased his market value thanks to consistently strong performances in domestic competitions, European football, and with the Canadian national team.
Should the transfer be completed, the funds received will provide Celtic with considerable flexibility in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
The Scottish champions have already been linked with several defensive reinforcements, and supporters will expect the club’s recruitment department to reinvest part of the transfer income into strengthening Brendan Rodgers’ squad ahead of another campaign that includes Champions League football.
Financially, the deal would rank among Celtic’s more notable outgoing transfers in recent years and reinforce the club’s reputation for developing players before selling them for substantial profits.
Johnston’s Rise at Celtic
Alistair Johnston arrived at Celtic carrying high expectations following impressive performances in Major League Soccer and with Canada’s national team.
It did not take long for him to become one of the first names on the team sheet.
His combination of pace, aggression, positional awareness, and attacking energy immediately won over supporters.
Whether defending against elite European opposition or dominating domestic matches, Johnston consistently demonstrated reliability and maturity beyond expectations.
One of his greatest strengths has been his consistency.
Week after week, he produced high-level performances that helped Celtic maintain their domestic dominance while also competing respectably in Europe.
His versatility also proved invaluable, allowing him to operate as a traditional right-back, wing-back, or even tuck into a more defensive role when tactical adjustments were required.
Premier League Dream Becomes Reality
For Johnston, a move to Everton would represent another major milestone in an already impressive career.
The Premier League has long been regarded as one of football’s biggest stages, and the opportunity to test himself against world-class attackers every week is believed to have played a significant role in his decision.
At 27 years old, Johnston is entering what many consider the peak years of his professional career.
A successful spell in England could further enhance his reputation ahead of future international tournaments with Canada, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playing regularly in England’s top flight would also provide valuable experience against some of the world’s strongest teams and players.
What Everton Fans Can Expect
Supporters at Goodison Park—and eventually Everton’s new home—can expect an energetic defender who never stops running.
Johnston combines defensive intelligence with attacking ambition, frequently making overlapping runs while remaining disciplined enough to recover defensively.
His strengths include:
Excellent stamina.
Strong tackling ability.
Accurate crossing.
Intelligent positioning.
Leadership qualities.
High work rate.
Tactical flexibility.
Consistency under pressure.
His mentality has often been praised by teammates and coaches alike, making him the type of player capable of becoming a fan favourite quickly.
A Difficult Goodbye for Celtic Supporters
Although the reported fee represents excellent business for Celtic, many supporters will undoubtedly be disappointed to lose one of their most dependable players.
Johnston’s passion, commitment, and connection with the fans made him one of the dressing room’s most respected figures.
He rarely failed to give maximum effort and consistently displayed the winning mentality that Celtic supporters admire.
His performances in Old Firm matches, European nights, and crucial league fixtures helped cement his reputation as one of the club’s most reliable defenders in recent seasons.
Should the transfer be completed, he is expected to leave Glasgow with the appreciation and respect of the Celtic faithful.
Rodgers Faces Important Decision
If Johnston departs, Brendan Rodgers will immediately face the challenge of replacing an experienced defender whose influence extended beyond the pitch.
The manager and Celtic’s recruitment team are expected to accelerate efforts to identify a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes.
Finding another player capable of matching Johnston’s consistency, leadership, and attacking output will not be easy.
However, Celtic have previously shown an excellent ability to identify emerging talent, and supporters will hope the club can once again recruit wisely.
Transfer Nearing Completion
With reports suggesting Celtic have accepted Everton’s offer, attention now turns to the remaining formalities.
Medical examinations, personal terms, and official documentation are expected to be completed before an announcement can be made.
Unless an unexpected complication arises, Johnston appears set to become Everton’s latest summer signing in what would be one of the most talked-about transfers involving a Scottish Premiership player this window.
For Everton, the acquisition represents a statement of intent as they continue strengthening their squad for the challenges of the Premier League.
For Celtic, it signals another successful example of smart recruitment and profitable player development.
And for Alistair Johnston, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one that offers the opportunity to showcase his talents in one of the world’s most competitive football leagues.
If completed, the reported £14 million move could prove beneficial for all parties involved: Everton gain an experienced and dependable international defender, Celtic receive a significant financial return to reinvest in their squad, and Johnston earns the opportunity to fulfil his ambition of playing regularly in the Premier League.
As the summer transfer window continues to gather pace, football fans across Scotland, England, and Canada will now be watching closely for the official confirmation that could make this transfer one of the standout deals of the summer.
