Everton are preparing a big-money approach for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, targeting the Canada international as a direct solution to their long-running right-back problem ahead of the next transfer window.
Everton line up Alistair Johnston to fix right-back crisis
Everton have identified Celtic’s Alistair Johnston as a leading candidate to fill a persistent vacancy at right-back. The 27-year-old’s World Cup form has elevated his profile and, with a long-term contract in Glasgow, any move will demand a significant offer and swift negotiation.
Why Johnston is an attractive target for the Blues
Johnston blends attacking intent with defensive solidity — a profile Everton have chased for seasons. He offers reliable ball progression from wide areas, good crossing volume, and a measurable defensive presence that suits teams needing control on the right flank.
His credentials are enhanced by 63 caps for Canada and a strong World Cup showing that has boosted his market value. Celtic signed him for around £3m in 2022, he has since made 122 appearances and scored seven goals, and he remains contracted until 2029, giving Celtic leverage.
How Johnston’s numbers translate to the Premier League
Statistical comparison with Premier League full-backs shows strengths Everton would value: around 53 passes and 44 successful passes per 90, 2.86 crosses and 0.86 successful crosses per 90, and 2.57 clearances per 90. Defensively he posts a high successful defensive-action rate (c.76%) and averages 1.14 interceptions in the opposition half per 90.
He is not a relentless distance runner — total distance per 90 sits below many Premier League peers — but his pace in short bursts and ability to cover turf quickly (c.108m per minute) indicate the athletic profile to handle the intensity of the top flight.
What Everton have been missing
Right-back has been an enduring headache for Everton. Seamus Coleman’s lengthy service ended, Nathan Patterson hasn’t cemented the role, and the club’s attempts to recruit a natural fit have fallen short. David Moyes has publicly admitted a sustained search for reinforcements in that position.
A proven international like Johnston would offer immediate competition and a tactical outlet on the right, potentially freeing central defenders and midfielders by improving wide distribution and defensive balance.
Injury history and adaptation risks
Johnston missed a significant portion of the previous season with a serious hamstring injury but returned to contribute as Celtic completed a domestic double. Injury history is a risk to weigh: the Premier League’s tempo and physical demand can expose recurring soft-tissue issues, while the step up in opposition quality usually requires an adaptation period.
There’s also the stylistic shift from dominating possession in the Scottish Premiership to the varied, often reactive scenarios Everton typically face; successful transition hinges on tactical clarity and defensive coaching.
Contract situation and Celtic’s stance
With Johnston tied until 2029, Celtic are unlikely to part cheaply. That contract gives them negotiating power and the option to hold unless a compelling, well-structured bid arrives. For Everton, any move would need to balance transfer fee, wages, and the urgency of shoring up a weak defensive flank.
How the transfer would reshape Everton’s squad
Signing Johnston would reshape selection and transfer planning. It could push Nathan Patterson further down the pecking order, influence whether the club reinvests in a backup or a different profile, and give Moyes a right-sided option capable of both defending and initiating attacks.
If Everton use Johnston as a new first-choice, it would signal a clear strategic step: prioritising a technically comfortable, two-way full-back who can contribute to build phases while maintaining defensive reliability.
What comes next
Expect intensive negotiations if Everton follow through. Celtic’s valuation and Johnston’s preference will be decisive. For Everton supporters, the move would represent a targeted attempt to correct a long-standing structural weakness rather than a stopgap. For Johnston, the Premier League would be a major test of his consistency and injury resilience.
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In short: the fit makes sense on paper, but the real question is whether the club can close the gap between Scottish dominance and Premier League demands without exposing squad balance or risking an expensive adaptation period.
Liverpool Echo
