Champions League hurdle complicates Everton’s move for Alistair Johnston | OneFootball

Everton’s hopes of landing Alistair Johnston could reportedly be delayed by Celtic’s focus on securing a place in the Champions League group stage.

Alistair Johnston of Canada applauds the fans after the team’s 6-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Scottish champions face LASK Linz in a decisive play-off later this month, with next Thursday’s 11pm deadline looming for player registrations ahead of the two-legged encounter.

Given the financial and sporting significance of the tie, there is little appetite at Celtic to weaken the squad before the outcome is decided, particularly if no replacement has been brought in.

That situation is said to be complicating Everton’s attempts to strike a deal.

Discussing the transfer on the Liverpool Echo’s Royal Blue podcast, Chris Beesley said: “My understanding is that Alistair Johnston has told Celtic that he fancies that move to Everton.

“But I also think at this stage, it’s perhaps not as close as some have said.

“Everton had a representative watching Celtic’s opening game of the season against Dundee.

“But as we know, there’s also a major issue there, is that Champions League qualifying round, because that sort of makes or breaks their season.

“They had an embarrassing defeat last year at that stage of the competition, and they’re very worried about getting rid of any of their prize assets before that one’s taken care of.”

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

Summer Sale now on! Both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now at Celticstarbooks.com

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools