Premier League Club Bids £15m for Celtic’s Alistair Johnston

Celtic face a mounting battle to keep Alistair Johnston, with a Premier League club lodging an opening bid that could rise to around £15 million for the Canada international.

According to the Daily Record, the English side have tabled an initial offer of £12m plus add-ons for the right-back, who still has three years remaining on his deal at Parkhead. The structure on the table would take the total value of the transfer up to that £15m mark if all clauses are triggered.

Celtic, though, are not blinking yet.

The Scottish champions are understood to be holding out for an improved package as negotiations edge forward. Johnston is described as being close to a move, but the numbers are not quite where Celtic want them, and the club are prepared to squeeze every last pound out of one of their most consistent performers.

Johnston’s own stance is clear. The 25-year-old is believed to be keen on testing himself in the Premier League and has made that known to Celtic officials during the summer window. The pull of England’s top flight is strong, and the defender is ready for the step if the clubs can finally align on a fee.

For now, there is no agreement. Just a growing sense that one is coming.

Reports suggest a deal is still expected to be “thrashed out” before the window closes, with Johnston likely to move on from Glasgow if Celtic’s valuation is eventually met.

Manager Martin O’Neill has already spoken with the player in the wake of the interest, and his comments underline the delicate balance between ambition and loyalty that shapes modern transfers.

“I've spoken to him on the back of the interest,” O’Neill said when asked about Everton’s move for Johnston. “Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.

“But like anything else, your head can get turned very quickly, particularly if it's a really good club.

“He wouldn't leave here for a second-class Premier League club, if there is such a thing, but if a big, big club comes in, it's something you would have to look at. And I think it's only natural as well. If I were a player, I'd be exactly the same.”

That line cuts to the heart of the situation. Celtic have a content, committed player, but one whose prime years may now be calling him south. The Premier League suitor, meanwhile, knows it has a willing target and a clear price range.

The only question left is how far they are prepared to go to get this over the line.