Everton are preparing a bid for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, according to a report in the Daily Record. The Scottish outlet understands that Celtic are bracing for a significant offer from the Blues, although no official bid has been made yet. Hill Dickinson Stadium chiefs are now ready to make their move, and the player is aware of the interest.
Johnston, 27, has been a success at Celtic since his £3 million move from Montreal in 2022. Despite missing most of last season with a serious hamstring injury suffered in October, he returned to help Martin O'Neill's side win a domestic double. The Hoops are keen to keep him for at least another season—his contract runs until 2029—but his value has risen after strong performances for Canada at the 2026 World Cup, where they were co-hosts with the USA and Mexico.
Everton's long-standing right-back problem
Right-back has been a persistent issue for Everton. Kenny Tete could have joined last summer but opted to sign a new deal at Fulham. In the winter window, David Moyes admitted the club had been searching for a right-back for a year. Nathan Patterson, a Scotland international, was close to leaving and remains surplus to requirements despite featuring in the World Cup, with teammates like Ben Godfrey and Jake O'Brien often played out of position ahead of him. The departure of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman after 17 and a half years has intensified the need.
Johnston's career and style
Born in Vancouver on October 8, 1998, Johnston has 63 caps for Canada since his debut in 2021. He played youth football in Canada, then college soccer at St John's and Wake Forest (the same university as Jack Harrison, who was on loan at Everton from 2023-25). His senior career began at Vaughan Azzurri before spells in MLS with Nashville SC and CF Montreal, then a move to Celtic in January 2023. He has made 122 appearances for Celtic, scoring seven goals.
According to Comparisonator, his playing style is a mix of ‘playmaker back’ and wing back, each scoring 6.8 out of 10. He is also rated 6.1 as a two-way full-back and 5.2 as a defensive full-back. Similarity search shows a 91% match with Jayden Bogle of Leeds United and Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur, and 88% with Trai Hume of Sunderland. Using the Virtual Transfer Tool, Johnston’s Scottish Premiership stats last season were compared to Premier League right-backs, and Everton was one of seven clubs where he would be deemed a better fit than their incumbent, with an A.I. Suitability Weight of 185.86 versus Jake O’Brien’s 184.14.
Statistical breakdown
Physical: He covers 8.628 km per 90 minutes (26th in Premier League), but is faster over ground at 108m per minute (5th). Offensive: He averages one scoring attack per 90 minutes (tops in Premier League), 0.14 assists (3rd), 0.71 shots (9th), and 0.57 successful dribbles (19th). Defensive: His successful defensive actions percentage is 76% (higher than Premier League leader Curtis Jones on 72%), he makes 1.14 interceptions in the opposition half (2nd), and 2.57 clearances per 90 (3rd). Passing: He averages 53.43 passes and 44.29 successful passes (4th), 2.86 crosses (6th), but 0.86 successful crosses (12th).
Everton have needed a natural right-back for a long time, and a World Cup player like Johnston could be the answer. However, as seen with Nathan Patterson, the step up from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is significant, and Johnston's past injury record may be a concern.
