Worrying claim made about Celtic target Alistair Johnston

Celtic seem to be on the verge of completing a £3 million transfer move to sign Alistair Johnston from CF Montreal. The defender is currently away at the World Cup, representing the Canadian national team. He impressed in their opening game vs Belgium but had a tougher time against Croatia. The deal is expected to be announced once the Maple Leafs’ run at the tournament is over.

Johnston has been one of the best full-backs in the MLS in recent times and as a result, his addition could very well be a major coup for Celtic.

Of course, at the same time, Josip Juranovic is expected to depart Parkhead after the World Cup. It is never ideal to lose a regular starter in the middle of the season and that makes it even more important that Johnston adjusts to his new surroundings and teammates quickly.

All players have weaknesses though and for Johnston, it appears to be the aerial side of his game. As reported by This is Futbol, journalist and scout Peter Galindo said on the Celts Are Here YouTube channel:

"“The one real weakness he has, still – and he’s gotten a little bit better as he’s gotten more games – it’s reading those aerial duels. Sometimes, especially when he’s trying to defend the back post or what have you, he tends to get a little lost; maybe not realise where his man is; maybe caught ball-watching sometimes.”"

Worrying claim made about weakness in Celtic target Johnston’s game

Overall, the journalist had some very positive things to say about Johnston though and he could be a good fit into Postecoglou’s style of football.

The fact that he is one of the best attacking right-backs in the MLS and one of the key parts of what looks like a very solid Canadian national team, speaks volumes of how good he can be on top of his game.

Of course, he has his shortcoming as well but he has shown an ability to improve on his weaknesses over his career and will hopefully do the same again.

No official announcement has been made yet, but rumours have suggested that Celtic have a deal agreed and the move is only a matter of time.