Everton Halts Alistair Johnston Pursuit as Celtic Stays Firm
Everton’s move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has stalled, with the Premier League club now turning their attention elsewhere after failing to meet the Scottish champions’ valuation.
The Canadian international had emerged as a serious target for David Moyes, with Martin O'Neill confirming that Everton’s manager personally picked up the phone to register his interest ahead of a proposed bid. The intent was clear. The numbers were not.
Celtic are understood to have wanted in excess of £15 million for Johnston this summer and were in no rush to sell, particularly with a Champions League play-off against LASK on the horizon. The timing suited Celtic far more than it did Everton. The Scottish club were keen to keep one of their most reliable defenders at least until that crucial tie was out of the way.
Everton, aware that Johnston is open to a move to the Premier League, tested the waters. The Daily Record now reports that the Merseyside club has started to explore alternative defensive options after failing to strike a deal with Celtic, with Strasbourg’s Guela Doue emerging as a possible solution.
O'Neill's Perspective
O'Neill, speaking about his conversations with Johnston amid the Everton interest, painted the picture of a player content but not immune to temptation.
"I've spoken to him on the back of the interest," he 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 the situation. Johnston is settled, valued, and central to Celtic’s plans, yet the lure of England’s top flight lingers in the background. For now, the deal is stuck in that familiar transfer limbo: a club that won’t drop its price, and a suitor unwilling to rise to it.
Everton’s recruitment team now weighs up whether to circle back later in the window or push ahead with Doue and others. Celtic, meanwhile, hold an asset who knows the Premier League will likely come calling again. The only real question is when, and at what price.
