Everton interested in Alistair Johnston, Martin O’Neill confirms

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has confirmed Everton’s interest in acquiring the services of Canadian full-back Alistair Johnston.

Everton are pursuing Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, with manager Martin O’Neill confirming contact between the clubs, as relayed by Sky Sports. The 27-year-old right-back, a Canadian international, has emerged as a target for David Moyes as Everton continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

While the transfer is still in its early stages, O’Neill has acknowledged that discussions have begun between the two clubs. Speaking about the situation, the Celtic boss revealed that Moyes personally informed him of Everton’s intention before any official communication arrived.

“Everton have been in contact,” O’Neill said before adding, @I’m not sure whether there has been a bid in for that one.”

The experienced manager also praised Moyes for his professional approach.

“In fairness, David did call me last weekend to tell me that there would be contact.”

Despite confirming Everton’s interest, O’Neill admitted he remains unsure how advanced negotiations have become.

“But I don’t know how far that has progressed, or if it has at all,” he added.

Johnston endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign after a hamstring injury restricted him to only 11 appearances for Celtic. However, the injury-hit season has done little to diminish his reputation after several years of consistently impressive performances in Scotland.

Since joining Celtic, Johnston has made 122 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 24 assists while establishing himself as one of the league’s most dependable full-backs.

Johnston is back fit and ready for a move

He also reminded clubs of his quality on the international stage. Having fully recovered from his injury problems, Johnston played an important role in helping Canada reach the Round of 16 at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, producing a series of assured displays against elite opposition.

Johnston would immediately strengthen Everton’s defence, offering both defensive reliability and attacking contribution. His experience and consistency make him an upgrade on Everton’s current options at right-back, where David Moyes has overseen both Jake O’Brien and Nathan Patterson in recent seasons. The latter, in particular, has struggled and faces an uncertain future at the club.

His leadership qualities and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch are also viewed as valuable assets as Everton continue reshaping their squad. The Toffees are eager to add greater competition at right-back, and Johnston fits the profile of an experienced defender who could slot straight into the starting XI.

While no agreement has yet been reached and Celtic remain reluctant to lose another important player, Everton’s interest is now firmly out in the open. Whether Johnston will ultimately force a move this summer remains to be seen, but his status as a leading Everton target is now confirmed.

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