Overview
- As of Friday, August 7, talks are stalled because Celtic insist on a package around £15 million and have not agreed to an early sale for Johnston ahead of their Champions League play‑offs.
- Johnston has reportedly told Celtic he wants the move to Everton and David Moyes personally phoned Martin O’Neill to signal Everton’s interest.
- Celtic’s need to retain Johnston for the two‑legged play‑off against LASK gives the club leverage and could raise the price for an expedited transfer to a reported near‑£20m premium.
- Everton have not matched Celtic’s valuation and are exploring alternatives, with reports naming Atlético Madrid’s Nahuel Molina among the players under consideration.
- Johnston’s strong World Cup showing and a contract running to 2029 strengthen Celtic’s negotiating position and make any summer sale dependent on how much Everton are willing to pay or on Celtic’s Champions League outcome.