Martin O'Neill confirms Celtic could lose key star - 'They've been in contact'

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed Everton have made contact over a move to sign Alistair Johnston this summer.

The Herald reported on Wednesday that Everton were keen on Johnston as they look to address their pressing need to sign a right-back.

And now Celtic boss O’Neill has confirmed the interest in the Canada international, though he is not sure if an official bid has been made.

The Northern Irishman revealed Everton boss David Moyes had given him a heads-up that the Premier League side were going to make formal contact.

When asked about Johnston’s long-term future at Celtic, O’Neill told reporters on Friday: “I think Everton have been in contact and I’m not sure whether there’s been a bid in there on that one, but they’ve been in contact.

“In fairness, David (Moyes) did call me last week saying there would be contact [for Johnston].

“I don’t know how far that has progressed, if it has at all, but that would be disappointing, obviously [if Celtic were to lose Johnston].”

Johnston has been a key fixture for Celtic and Canada in recent years

Johnston joined Celtic from Canadian outfit CF Montreal in January 2023, signing a five-year contract with the Scottish Premiership giants.

The 27-year-old has made 122 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, scoring seven goals and winning nine major trophies.

Johnston also represented Canada at this summer’s World Cup, helping his nation reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.

STATS

Alistair Johnston

D (R)

Celtic

Alistair Johnston

D (R)

Celtic

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 11

  Games

• 1

  Goals

• 2

  Assists

View all stats

He played in all five of their fixtures in North America as Jesse Marsch’s side finished second in Group B and then beat South Africa in the round of 32.

Johnston - who has earned 63 caps for Canada, scoring one goal - played the full 90 minutes as Canada were beaten 3-0 by Morocco in the last 16.

Celtic have so far signed strikers Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran ahead of their first full season under O’Neill since 2004-05.

The 74-year-old was named permanent manager in June after two interim spells last season. He led the club to the Scottish Premiership title following a dramatic victory over Hearts on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

Everton looking to fill right-back void following Coleman exit

Everton meanwhile have signed Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season, while Merlin Rohl has turned his loan move into a permanent transfer.

Moyes' side have needed a right-back for several years, with Jake O’Brien - a centre-back by trade - filling in over the last two seasons.

Long-serving right-back Seamus Coleman, 37, left Everton in June following the expiration of his contract. The Republic of Ireland international had spent 17 years with the Toffees, making 435 appearances and scoring 28 goals.