Chris Sutton has insisted Alistair Johnston is worth a minimum of £25 million and Celtic must stand their ground over the defender's valuation, warning that selling key players could repeat last season's European disappointment.
Everton have reportedly backed off Johnston because they won't meet Celtic's asking price. Sutton says that is good news and Celtic should not roll over, pointing out that players sign contracts for a reason and both sides know where they stand.
Contract and character
Johnston has three years left on his contract, and Celtic are entitled to reject any offer they deem insufficient. Sutton does not see Johnston as the type to throw his toys out of the pram, noting that he missed a lot of last season before returning to fitness and going to the World Cup.
Celtic are a completely different team with Johnston in it, according to Sutton, with more experience and control defensively and a greater threat on the right-hand side. When Johnston first arrived, Josip Juranovic was still at the club and was excellent going forward, but Johnston developed into an attacking full-back under Brendan Rodgers.
Maeda comparison
Sutton compared Johnston's situation to Daizen Maeda's last season, when there was talk that Maeda was unhappy because a big-money transfer didn't happen. Maeda still scored an unbelievable overhead kick against Rangers, and Martin O'Neill compared his importance to Henrik Larsson. Sutton said players sometimes have dips in form and it doesn't automatically mean they are sulking.
The bigger issue for Celtic is whether the club has the ambition to keep moving forward. Supporters want to see the club competing in Europe, and last season was a huge disappointment. Selling Nicolas Kuhn before the Kairat Almaty tie and failing to replace him properly was a major blunder, and Celtic paid the price.
Value and squad depth
Sutton questioned the £14 million figures being quoted for Johnston, pointing out that Kieran Tierney went to Arsenal for £25 million and many average players have moved for £20 million or £30 million. Johnston had an excellent World Cup, has improved, and is under contract until 2029, so £25 million is fair.
Sutton also believes Celtic need to strengthen in several positions, including left-back, goalkeeper, and wide players. He likes Viljami Sinisalo but thinks every club should look to improve. He said Celtic are short of at least four players, including keeping Johnston and Arne Engels.
European test
Engels gives Celtic athleticism and legs in midfield, and losing him would be a huge gamble. The same applies to Johnston, as Celtic cannot replace him at the same level right now. Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan are wholehearted, but Celtic must keep their best players to compete.
Looking ahead to the LASK tie, Sutton said Celtic could have had an easier draw. Austrian teams are aggressive, press, and are full of energy, and LASK will pose a similar challenge. It is a 50-50 tie, and Celtic cannot afford to weaken themselves now.
