If Alistair Johnston leaves for £15 million, it’s a disgrace.

Celtic are undervaluing their best players again

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The Daily Record suggests Alistair Johnston is on the verge of a move to Everton. The fee on offer is currently £12 million rising to £15 million in add ons. If that figure is accurate, Celtic are once again seriously undervaluing the clubs assets. First Maeda for £8 million now this? It’s just not good enough from the club.

Johnston isn’t just another first-team player. He has become one of the club’s most consistent performers, one of the dressing room’s leaders and the best right-back for club and country. Selling him for £15 million with three years left on his deal cannot be justified.

Celtic hold all the cards

This isn’t a player entering the final year of his contract like Dazien. There is no pressure to sell. There is no financial necessity. If Everton or any other Premier League club want one of Celtic’s most reliable players, they should be prepared to pay a premium. They are currently linked with a £35 million move for a winger from Galatasaray. Yet we are supposed to accept a third of that for AJ?

A World Cup performer with his best years ahead

Johnston has already shown he can perform on the biggest stage.

He has represented Canada at the World Cup, played Champions League and Europa League football. At 27, he is entering what should be the peak years of his career. We all know his worth as Celtic fans, so why don’t the club? Celtic should be looking for at least £20-£25 million for their prized right back. Why do they constantly under sell?

This is the bigger concern.

Time and again Celtic develop players into established internationals before accepting fees that appear modest compared with the wider European market.

Premier League clubs regularly pay £30 million, £40 million or even £50 million for players of similar importance.

Yet when Celtic sell one of their biggest assets, supporters often find themselves asking the same question. Why didn’t the club hold out for more?

The Scottish Premiership may not command Premier League prices, but that doesn’t mean Celtic should accept the first major offer that arrives.

Even if Celtic received £15 million, replacing Johnston would be far from straightforward. Finding another right-back with his defensive reliability, attacking quality, experience and leadership would likely cost a significant transfer fee, while there is no guarantee the replacement would settle as quickly.

Celtic must show greater ambition

Supporters understand that every player has a price. No one expects Celtic to reject a truly exceptional offer. But if the reported figure is around £15 million, the club should politely decline and move on. They have the money needed to complete the deal on our terms, if Everton or Fulham want to secure AJ this window it should be for a significant fee Celtic fans are comfortable with. Not leaving them feeling the club has let them down again. Sadly, that’s where we find ourselves.

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

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