Celtic Transfer News: Everton’s Pursuit of Celtic Star player Hits Fresh Twist as Player Pushes for Exit
Celtic transfer news has taken another intriguing turn this week as Everton’s long-running search for a new right-back continues to centre . According to the latest reports from Transfer Feed, the 27-year-old Canada international is keen on a move to Merseyside. However, Celtic remain resolute in their valuation and have shown no willingness to lower their £15 million asking price during ongoing discussions.
Sources close to the situation on Merseyside suggest that Celtic’s stance could soften once their crucial Champions League play-off ties against LASK Linz are completed. Until then, the Scottish champions are determined to keep their squad intact and avoid any disruption ahead of matches that carry significant sporting and financial weight.
Everton Receive Encouragement in Johnston Pursuit
From Everton’s perspective, the knowledge that Johnston is open to the switch represents a clear boost. The Toffees have been actively exploring options at right-back following the departure of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Nathan Patterson. Johnston’s desire to test himself in the Premier League aligns with David Moyes’ preference for experienced, reliable full-backs who can contribute both defensively and in possession.
Yet while the player’s reported willingness to leave Parkhead is positive for Everton, it does not shift the balance of power in negotiations. Celtic still hold the stronger hand. Johnston signed a long-term contract that runs until 2029, meaning the Glasgow club face no pressure to accept any offer they regard as falling short of true market value. That contractual security gives Martin O’Neill and the Celtic board considerable leverage as talks continue.
Johnston’s Importance to Celtic Remains Clear
There is good reason for Celtic to protect their position. Despite a disrupted 2025/26 Scottish Premiership campaign, Johnston remains an important figure in O’Neill’s plans. The right-back made 18 league appearances last season, contributing one goal and three assists even after missing a substantial portion of the year through a recurring hamstring problem. His ability to recover and still deliver meaningful numbers underlines the quality and resilience that first attracted Celtic to him from CF Montreal.
More significantly, Johnston’s performances on the international stage earlier this year removed any lingering doubts about his fitness or form. He started every match for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, producing composed and reliable displays against high-calibre opposition. Those appearances not only restored confidence in his physical condition but also elevated his profile across Europe, making Premier League interest entirely predictable.
Before the injury issues of last season, Johnston had already demonstrated his value in European competition. He featured in all ten of Celtic’s Champions League matches during the previous campaign and maintained an impressive 90 per cent passing accuracy – a statistic that highlights his composure and technical reliability when building from the back. For a club that regularly competes on multiple fronts, such consistency is difficult to replace at short notice.
Why Timing Is Everything for Celtic
The current timing of any potential sale is critical. Celtic face a two-legged Champions League play-off against Austrian side LASK Linz later this month. Qualification for the group stage would bring substantial financial rewards – revenues that would comfortably exceed the immediate benefit of a £15 million transfer fee. Selling a first-choice right-back before those ties would introduce unnecessary risk at a moment when squad stability is paramount.
Replacing an established starter mid-window is rarely straightforward. Celtic would need to identify, negotiate and integrate a suitable alternative in a compressed timeframe, all while preparing for high-stakes European fixtures. That logistical challenge alone provides a strong argument for waiting until after the LASK ties before seriously considering any departure.
Former Celtic striker and pundit Chris Sutton has already voiced a similar view, arguing that the club should not weaken themselves ahead of decisive European matches. Sutton’s assessment carries weight. Previous summers have shown how departures of key players can disrupt momentum at precisely the wrong moment. Johnston’s World Cup displays have only strengthened his standing, his long-term contract provides Celtic with negotiating strength, and the interest from Premier League clubs means the Scottish champions are under no obligation to accept the first serious offer that arrives.
Celtic Hold the Stronger Position – and Should Use It
In pure footballing and financial terms, Celtic currently occupy the advantageous position. They do not need to sell. Johnston is under contract for another three years. The player’s form at the World Cup has increased rather than diminished his value. And the club’s priority remains Champions League qualification – an objective that far outweighs the short-term gain of a mid-window transfer.
That reality should encourage Celtic to hold firm on their valuation. While £15 million has been widely reported as the asking price, the combination of Johnston’s contract length, recent international performances and the strategic importance of keeping the squad intact until after the LASK ties suggests Celtic would be fully justified in pushing towards a figure closer to £20–25 million should Everton – or any other Premier League club – wish to force the issue before the European fixtures are settled.
For now, the most likely scenario is that discussions remain open but unresolved. Everton will continue to monitor the situation and may return with an improved package once Celtic’s European commitments become clearer. Johnston’s personal desire for a move keeps the door ajar. Yet until the Champions League play-off is complete, Celtic appear content to protect their position and prioritise the bigger picture.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Everton are prepared to meet Celtic’s valuation or whether the Scottish champions will once again demonstrate the patience and resolve that has characterised their transfer dealings in recent seasons.