Celtic make Alistair Johnston decision as chances of January transfer revealed
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(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 19 September 2025 15:59, UK
Celtic have clamped down on the idea of Alistair Johnston leaving Glasgow anytime soon with a January sale off the cards.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 13 September that talks between Celtic and Brendan Rodgers broke down after the Northern Irishman felt he was not backed in the summer transfer window.
His unhappiness with the lack of investment has seen Rodgers be monitored by Premier League and European clubs who are ready to appoint the ex-Leicester City boss, sources have told Football Insider.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, in order to sign new players in January other players will have to make way such as Johnston.
The Canadian right-back has been an ever-present for the Bhoys prior to his injury in the Champions League first leg 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty on 20 August.
Credit: Imago
Sources told Football Insider on 15 September that Rodgers is trying hard to keep Daizen Maeda at Celtic with the Japanese open to a move away from Glasgow.
The suggestion of one key player leaving also extends to Johnston with the defender in his fourth season at Celtic Park.
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Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the unlikelihood of the 26-year-old leaving in the January transfer window, I explained: “I’m sure there’ll be clubs well aware of Alistair Johnson.
I can’t see a move happening in January myself.
“I don’t think that would go down very well with the Celtic fan base right now, especially in their current situation.
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“The feelings are quite high over Celtic’s lack of ambition in the transfer market.
So they won’t want to lose a key player like Alistair Johnston, he’s probably an integral part of the Celtic squad since joining.
“He’s under a long-term contract, he signed a new deal last year to keep him at Celtic until 2029 so, I don’t think Celtic will be entertaining any offers for him come January.”
The Canada international stated that he doesn’t want to put a timeline on his hamstring tear that he suffered in the Champions League (Park The Bus podcast).
This would increase the likelihood that admirers would hold off for a little while longer until the 26-year-old is back to full fitness.
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The lack of right-back options for the Hoops will anger the Northern Irish manager as Football Insider revealed that Rodgers was unhappy with the Celtic board during the summer transfer window.
As a result the hierarchy may feel the need to explore the market for a competent right-sided defender to help Colby Donovan out with the workload whilst Johnston gets back up to speed following his injury.