Alistair Johnston transfer: Everton deal stalls over fee 2026

Key Points

• Negotiations between Everton and Celtic for the services of the latter’s right back Alistair Johnston have hit a roadblock.
• Celtic want in excess of £15 million for the player, while Everton have made an offer believed to be around £12 million plus add-ons.
• David Moyes spoke directly to Celtic manager Martin O’Neill to reiterate that the Toffees are interested in signing the player.
• Although Johnston is apparently not opposed to playing in the Premier League, Celtic want to retain his services for the upcoming UEFA Champions League qualifying round against LASK in late August.
• Everton are reportedly considering other right backs such as Strasbourg’s Guéla Doué and RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku.

Everton FC (Liverpool standard) August 07, 2026 – uk/local/everton/">Everton’s attempt to sign Celtic right‑back Alistair Johnston has stalled after the clubs failed to agree a transfer fee, with Celtic standing firm on their valuation and the Premier League side unwilling to increase their offer, according to multiple reports.

As reported by Stephen McGowan of The Herald and cited by outlets including OneFootball and ReadEverton, Everton structured a package worth around £12 million up front with performance‑related add‑ons, which Celtic rejected as below their assessment of the 27‑year‑old Canada international.

Celtic are understood to be seeking more than £15 million for Johnston, with some suggestions the fee could rise closer to £20 million if Everton want to complete the deal before the Champions League play‑off first leg against LASK on 19 August at Celtic Park.

Moyes contacts O’Neill as Johnston signals Premier League interest

Everton manager David Moyes personally telephoned Celtic boss Martin O’Neill to confirm his club’s interest in Johnston, a move O’Neill later acknowledged in public comments.

O’Neill told reporters:

“Everton have been in contact… In fairness, David [Moyes] did call me last week, saying that there would be contact, but I don’t know how far that has progressed, if it has at all.”

According to coverage by the Daily Record and reflected in reports on Canadiansoccerdaily and Glasgow Times, Johnston has indicated he would be willing to move to the Premier League, but Celtic have stressed he remains under contract until 2029 and is “perfectly happy” at Parkhead.

O’Neill added:

“I’ve spoken to him on the back of the interest. Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.”

Champions League play‑off timing complicates transfer window plans

Celtic’s immediate focus on their Champions League play‑off tie against Austrian side LASK has become a central factor in the negotiations, with the Scottish champions reluctant to lose Johnston before the crucial two‑legged fixture.

Yahoo Sports reported that Celtic prefer Johnston to stay for the play‑off, with the first leg on 19 August and the return in Linz six days later, potentially pushing any departure to around 26 August at the earliest if Celtic advance.

The same outlets noted that if Everton want Johnston before the play‑off, Celtic could demand a premium, moving the fee from around £15 million towards £20 million, reflecting the sporting importance of the tie.

Everton explore alternatives as Johnston negotiations cool

With negotiations stalled, Everton have begun assessing other right‑back options rather than being held to ransom on price, according to reports on Toffeeweb, Glasgow Times and Canadiansoccerdaily.

Guéla Doué of Strasbourg and Ridle Baku of RB Leipzig have emerged as primary alternatives being monitored by Everton’s recruitment team, as the club weighs its options for the remainder of the summer window.

OneFootball and ReadEverton both stated that Everton’s interest in Johnston was genuine, but unless Celtic lower their demands late in the window or Everton decide to meet the higher valuation after selling fringe players, Moyes and his recruitment staff are likely to shift focus.

What is the latest on Everton’s bid for Alistair Johnston?

The latest updates indicate that talks have cooled after Everton failed to meet Celtic’s asking price, with no new formal bid lodged as of 6 August 2026.

As reported by the Daily Record and summarised by Canadiansoccerdaily, Everton are now “considering other right‑back options” rather than increasing their offer immediately, even though Johnston remains a key target on their shortlist.

O’Neill’s public comments suggest Celtic have not accepted Everton’s current proposal, with the manager stating the offer “doesn’t meet remotely meet our evaluation for a start”.

How does Alistair Johnston fit Everton’s right‑back plans?

Everton view Johnston as a long‑term successor to Seamus Coleman at right‑back, with the Canadian’s pace, defensive work and attacking output seen as suited to Moyes’ system.

Royal Blue Mersey’s scouting analysis noted Johnston’s development into an “exceptional talent” at Celtic, highlighting his consistency in the Scottish Premiership and experience in European competition, including Champions League matches.

Transfermarkt lists Johnston’s market value at around €8 million (£6.8 million), but his real‑world price has been driven higher by his contract until 2029, his role as a key Celtic player and his performances for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Background to Everton’s pursuit of Alistair Johnston

Everton’s interest in Johnston intensified after Seamus Coleman’s exit and ongoing uncertainty over Nathan Patterson’s future, prompting Moyes to prioritise a new right‑back.

Initial reports in late July indicated Everton were preparing an eight‑figure bid, with The Herald’s Stephen McGowan writing that the club were expected to lodge an offer above £10 million.

Celtic confirmed the contact from Everton and rejected a separate approach from West Ham for midfielder Arne Engels, signalling they would be selective about losing key players during a crucial European campaign.

Prediction: How could this development affect Everton fans and the transfer window?

If Everton and Celtic cannot bridge the valuation gap, supporters may see the club redirect funds toward Doué or Baku, altering the profile of the right‑back recruited for the 2025–26 season.

For Everton fans, a failure to sign Johnston could mean a more iterative rebuild at right‑back, with Moyes potentially opting for a different blend of experience and potential depending on which alternative target is pursued.

Conversely, if Everton return with a higher offer late in the window, supporters could secure a proven, international right‑back, but at the cost of reduced spending power elsewhere in the squad.

Background of the development

Everton’s push for Johnston emerged from a clear need to replace Seamus Coleman and add stability and attacking width at right‑back, with Moyes identifying the Canadian as a primary target after his strong showings for Celtic and Canada.

Celtic’s stance has been shaped by their Champions League ambitions and Johnston’s long‑term contract, leading them to set a high fee and resist an early sale, even as the player’s openness to a Premier League move became known.

The combination of sporting timing, valuation differences and Everton’s broader transfer strategy has produced the current stalemate, with both clubs aware that the window’s closing stages may force a decision.

Prediction: Impact on Everton supporters and future planning

If the Johnston deal collapses, Everton supporters may experience a more cautious transfer window, with the club’s recruitment shifting toward alternative right‑backs who may require more adaptation time to the Premier League.

Over the longer term, this could influence squad planning by pushing Everton to spread investment across multiple positions rather than concentrating funds on one marquee full‑back signing.

If the deal is revived with a higher fee, fans could gain an immediate upgrade at right‑back, but might see less activity in other areas, affecting the overall balance and depth of Moyes’ squad for the upcoming season.