Everton playing games over Alistair Johnston transfer?

Celtic must stand firm

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Everton playing games over Alistair Johnston transfer? Celtic must stand firm

There have been various reports in recent days that Everton’s interest in Alistair Johnston has cooled after Celtic have seemly refused to reduce their asking price for the Canadian right back.

Everton are reportedly unwilling to meet Celtic’s valuation and currently want to pay between £8-10 million for the fullback.

Various news outlets are now saying that Everton will move on to other targets this summer but our understanding is that Celtic expect Everton to return to the negotiating table for one of the clubs priced assets.

Celtic hold all the cards

Unlike other transfer sagas in the past, Celtic are under no pressure to sell.

Johnston remains under contract and has established himself as one of the clubs most reliable performers. He has become a leader in the dressing room, a favourite with supporters and is no doubt one of the first names on the team sheet come match day.

Celtic are in full control of the situation and this should be reflected in how they handle negotiations moving forward.

Celtic must set the price

If reports suggesting a fee in the region of £15 million are accurate, many supporters will feel that significantly undervalues the best full-back in Scottish football. Everton are clearly looking to force the clubs hand to accept even less.

Finding another player capable of matching Johnston’s consistency, leadership and experience would prove an impossible task for the club. Selling him undervalue would no doubt leave Celtic fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Especially for a fee similar to what Rangers received for Nathan Patterson.

Opinion

If Everton genuinely believe Johnston is the right player to improve their defence, then they should be prepared to pay a fee that reflects his importance to Celtic.

Otherwise, there is little incentive for the Scottish champions to even entertain negotiations. The days of Celtic accepting modest offers for their best players should be over. The club should stand firm and receive a record fee for a player who brings so much to the club on and off the pitch.

Everton are trying to act as if their interest in Johnston has cooled to bring Celtic back to the negotiating table. Fans will be hoping that Everton have genuinely moved on but that does not seem to be the case. Everton have budgeted £8-10 million for a new fullback but that is not Celtic’s problem. I believe Celtic should be looking to eclipse the record £25 million they received for Matt O’Reilly for the Canadian fullback if a deal is to be done. Sadly, I still think it’s likely that Johnston leaves before the end of the window. If he stays then it’s a huge bonus for the club. However if he does go, it must be for maximum value once the club have established who to bring in as a replacement.

All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only

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