Celtic pulled off transfer masterstroke in January window

KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 14: Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates at the end of the game during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Kilmarnock FC and Celtic FC at on August 14, 2022 in Kilmarnock, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 14: Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates at the end of the game during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Kilmarnock FC and Celtic FC at on August 14, 2022 in Kilmarnock, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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When you look at the list of players Celtic have signed during the time of Ange Postecoglou as manager, clearly there has been some phenomenal recruitment since the Australian’s arrival in the summer of 2021. To be considered as top of that list in terms of best signings would be quite an honour.

Obvious contenders for that recognition would include Saturday’s two goal hero Kyogo Furuhashi. Reo Hatate, out injured for the recent Glasgow Derby, would also be up there as a potential candidate, not to mention Jota or Cameron Carter-Vickers.

While it is early days yet, there seems to be another candidate for that honour. Alistair Johnston is making a huge name for himself at Parkhead. He signed for the Hoops from CF Montreal in January.

Johnston was of course brought in to replace Josip Juranovic, a World Cup hero who reached the semi-finals with Croatia. He would join Union Berlin in January. Anthony Ralston was also vying for the right-back position. Two tough acts though for the Canadian international to follow.

Celtic pulled off transfer masterstroke in January window

Johnston made his debut away at Ibrox against the Rangers in a 2- 2 draw in January. It was an impressive display in a match where the Hoops seemed a bit off colour. The new signing was already showing his competitive nature and ability to both defend and send balls into the opposition’s penalty area for the forwards.

He continued that approach with a superb showing against the Rangers in Saturday’s 3-2 league win. It is still very early into his Celtic career but Johnston has stepped into the right-back slot comfortably and made it his own already.

Postecoglou seems to be delighted as well. As reported by Glasgow Live, he said:

"“He loves a battle. I guess he loves these kind of games. When you try and bring in players, particularly to this football club, what I have found is that aside from their abilities as a footballer it takes certain types of characters. From the moment I spoke to him I knew he’d do for me.“I finished off the Zoom call and said to somebody ‘he’s going to do well here.’ He’s just a winner, he’s very determined to get the best out of his football ability. He’s embraced the culture here and embraced the responsibility he has. You know, in four months he’s had three of these games, three derbies, and I think he’s excelled in all of them.”"

It’s maybe a bit early to tag Johnston as the best signing, for now we should hold off longer from giving that honour to any of the new signings. With more time and games behind him though, he could well be the one of the favourites for that accolade.

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