Celtic star Alistair Johnston is being monitored by Premier League sides Fulham and Ipswich Town.
Johnston signed for the Hoops in January 2023 under Ange Postecoglou as he replaced Josip Juranovic at right-back after the Croatian’s departure to Union Berlin.
The Canadian excelled on his debut against Rangers and has gone on to win six major trophies with Celtic including two Premiership titles.
Johnston played a pivotal part in Celtic’s Champions League journey to the knockout phase play-offs against Bayern Munich with 38 appearances under his belt this season across all competitions.
He’s scored four goals from right-back this campaign while adding nine assists. And it appears his brilliant form for the Hoops is attracting interest down south.
Alistair Johnston wanted by Fulham & Ipswich Town
The Athletic’s David Ornstein held an online Q&A on Thursday and much of the questions centred around transfers.
He was asked by one fan: “Have you heard any mumblings on Fulham’s transfer incomings/outgoings?”
Ornstein shared that Fulham were interested in signing Johnston in the January transfer window, but no bids were seemingly lodged.
Ornstein wrote: “I know Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is generating attention from clubs in England, with Fulham among his admirers.
“The Canada international recently signed a new contract at Parkhead and isn’t known to be unhappy – but there was firm interest in January.
| “From what I hear it’s not only Fulham but also Ipswich and others who are looking at him. |
“Johnston was named in the Best FIFA Men’s XI last year, so this is probably no surprise and I’d expect more suitors to emerge from the Premier League and across Europe in the summer.”
Celtic’s Johnston enjoyed incredible 2024
It’s absolutely no surprise to hear Alistair Johnston is on the transfer shortlists of two Premier League clubs and potentially other sides across Europe.
The 26-year-old was magnificent last year as he picked up three major trophies with Celtic, which included a double at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
He then won the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers in December to complete the set before the year was out.
Moreover, Johnston notched 12 assists across all competitions in 2024 as he beat the likes of Matt O’Riley, James Forrest and fellow full-back Greg Taylor.
Only Nicolas Kuhn provided more assists for Celtic last year with 14, so having just two less as a right-back is quite remarkable.
In the summer, Johnston was named in the Copa America’s 2024 team of the tournament as Canada reached the semi-final stage against eventual winners Argentina.
And as mentioned by Ornstein, Johnston received worldwide recognition when he was named as a nominee for FIFA’s best XI of the year.
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