Everton are preparing a bid for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston as their right-back crisis deepens ahead of the Premier League opener. With Seamus Coleman retiring and Nathan Patterson likely to leave, David Moyes is targeting a proven, attack-minded full-back to shore up Everton’s right flank before the season begins.
Everton prepare formal offer for Celtic’s Alistair Johnston
Everton are moving to address a long-standing weakness at right-back by preparing a bid believed to exceed £10m for Alistair Johnston. The timing is urgent: Everton want reinforcements before the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace and with the transfer window entering its final month.
Why Johnston fits Everton’s immediate need
Alistair Johnston is a 27-year-old full-back who has combined defensive robustness with attacking output since joining Celtic. He brings Champions League experience and was a regular starter for Canada at the World Cup, providing rare international pedigree for a player in that position.
Johnston’s profile matches what Everton lack: a natural right-back capable of taking on markers, delivering from wide positions and contributing in the final third. That attacking instinct would contrast with Jake O'Brien, who has filled in but is naturally a centre-back and less effective in Everton’s forward play down the right.
Player résumé and credentials
Johnston has been productive at Celtic, registering goals and assists while featuring in European competition. His mix of physicality, one-v-one strength and willingness to overlap have won praise inside Celtic Park, and those traits translate well to a Premier League side needing both defensive solidity and offensive width.
How this transfer would change Everton’s balance
Recruiting Johnston would be an immediate upgrade on the current options and give David Moyes tactical flexibility. A specialist right-back would allow Everton to attack more consistently down the right, relieve pressure on the centre-backs when opponents overload that flank, and potentially free midfielders to operate higher up the pitch.
Tactically, Johnston’s presence could prompt Moyes to encourage greater full-back involvement in build-up play, balancing defensive responsibilities with purposeful forward runs. That shift would be a clear attempt to solve a recurring, season-long structural issue.
Obstacles and outlook
Celtic would prefer to keep Johnston, but a decisive offer could change the equation. Any move will hinge on fee negotiations and the player’s willingness to commit to a transfer that demands adaptation to a different league and tactical environment.
Analytically, this is a sensible and overdue pursuit for Everton. The club’s right-back problem predates this window; signing a proven, Premier-ready full-back would materially improve their starting XI and reduce exposure on that flank.
What fans should expect next
Expect Everton to formalise interest quickly and for talks to accelerate as the season approaches.
Owners to decide Monday whether MLS picks Berg's continuity or Nathanson's media strategy
If completed, Johnston would arrive with the experience and attacking profile Everton need, but his immediate impact will depend on how fast Moyes integrates him into a side still finding its balance defensively and offensively.
Givemesport
