While nothing is official yet, it does feel like Alistair Johnston will end up becoming a Celtic player in the very near future. Josip Juranovic is rumoured to be on his way out of the club after the World Cup and it looks like the Canadian international, who currently plays for CF Montreal in the MLS, is going to be the replacement for the Croatian right-back.
Most Celtic fans would have heard his name for the first time as he put in a brilliant display at the World Cup against Belgium. Canada did not end up winning simply because they could not take their chances in front of goal.
Johnston is believed to have been one of the best defenders in the MLS for a while as well and could prove to be another transfer masterstroke on the part of Celtic, if they can get a deal over the line.
Johnston does seem pretty excited about the Celtic links. As reported by The Mail+, the Canadian international said:
"‘Look, to be linked with club like Celtic is obviously something that I think every footballer is excited by.‘It’s one of the most passionate fan bases in the world. It’s a club that even people who don’t follow football know who it is.‘My phone’s been blowing up. So look, I’m super excited to get linked to that.’"
Johnston seems to be very excited by links with Celtic
Johnston could be a solid signing for Celtic if Juranovic is indeed on his way out of the club. He is good on both ends of the pitch and seems like the kind of player who would fit Postecoglou’s style of football well.
For the moment, Johnston’s focus has to be on the World Cup though, as Canada have shown in their opening game that they belong at this level and could potentially have a chance of making it through to the next round if they can get their finishing together.
On the other hand, it might make sense for Celtic to let Juranovic go after the World Cup. He is a starter for the Croatian national team and his transfer value could be at its peak after the tournament.