Well this one is moving fast! After The Celtic Star reported last night that Celtic were tracking impressive Canadian World Cup star, Alistair Johnston it now appears that talks have progressed and are now at an advanced stage. The right-back was phenomenal for Canada last night against Belgium and dealt with their attacking players really well.
Now it has been claimed by journalist Manuel Veth that multiple sources have now confirmed that he is deep into negotiations to join the Scottish Champions in the January transfer window. The fee being mooted is around £6 million, according to the article by transfermarkt.
That figure could be overblown according to Celts on the ground in Canada. Montreal Celtic states: “€6m for Ally Johnston overblown. Probably with add ons etc. Usual MLS hyping transfers. What would benefit both @cfmontreal and @celticfc would be a deal seeing Celtic players going other way. Mikey J (already on loan) and Montgomery would be unreal in montreal. McCarthy also.”
Asked he rates Ally Johnston he said:
“It’s not about rating him. He is good MLS player with ability to improve. At the moment we’d be signing an athlete and attempting to mould a football player. Not impossible and I’m sure Ange welcomes that challenge.”
€6m for Ally Johnston overblown. Probably with add ons etc. Usual MLS hyping transfers.
What would benefit both @cfmontreal and @celticfc would be a deal seeing celtic playersgoing other way.
Mikey J (already on loan) and Montgomery would be unreal in montreal. McCarthy also— Montreal Celtic (@Montreal_Celtic) November 24, 2022
It’s not about rating him.
He is good mls player with ability to improve.
At the moment we’d be signing an athelete and attempting to mold a football player.
Not impossible and i’m sure Ange welcomes that challenge.— Montreal Celtic (@Montreal_Celtic) November 24, 2022
It would now mean that Josip Juranovic is most likely going to be sold in the winter window to the highest bidder.
Johnston currently is contracted to CF Montreal until 2023, with the option of another two-years. The 24-year-old is also very versatile and can play in a back three or wing-back position if needed, whilst he is the joint highest valued defender in the MLS. Ange doesn’t look like he’s messing around this year again!
Multiple sources! Alistair Johnston is closing in on a move to Scottish giants #CelticFC. A deal is now advanced. The #CanMNT star also has a UK passport. He is under contract at #CFMTL until 2023 with 2 option years. He is currently starring at the World Cup. 🇨🇦⚽️ pic.twitter.com/nLtQTrxYbY
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) November 24, 2022
Paul Gillespie
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