Alistair Johnston looking on while at Celtic

Alistair JohnstonImago

David Moyes' right-back plan as 'significant' Alistair Johnston to Everton transfer news emerges

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University; transfer and club specialist across the Breaking Media network. FOCUS Transfer news, breaking stories, and club-level insight across the Premier League and EFL. THE INSIGHT Aheed utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the foundations behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

03 Aug 2026, 3:10 pm

Everton transfer news keeps coming in regarding Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.

The Canada international is being heavily linked with a move to the Toffees as David Moyes looks for defensive reinforcements.

With the Blues clearly desperate for a new right-back since last summer, it remains to be seen whether a transfer move for the 27-year-old will materialise.

Moyes has identified Johnston as a potential solution to solve the crisis at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Jake O'Brien and Nathan Patterson are the two options at right-back, with the Republic of Ireland international constantly being played out of position.

While there has been encouragement regarding the Merseyside outfit's pursuit of the Canadian defender, fans in L3 may need to wait to know the outcome of the talks with the Glaswegian club.

Where Everton stand in Alistair Johnston transfer chase

Goodison News have covered developments around Everton's interest in Johnston, with the Toffees on the verge of striking a £15million deal.

While the defender is definitely a concrete target at Hill Dickinson Stadium, his signing may not be imminent.

According to the Liverpool Echo on 3 August, there's still "significant" work to be done to reach an agreement for the Celtic right-back.

A deal for Johnston in Merseyside isn't as close as some reports may suggest.

What Everton are doing behind the scenes as Alistair Johnston bid update emerges

What David Moyes must have planned at right-back for start of season

Everton welcome Crystal Palace to Hill Dickinson Stadium on 22 August in the opening game of the new Premier League season.

The start of the 2026-27 campaign isn't far off, but Moyes still arguably needs plenty of signings in L3.

Johnston should be one of the priorities for the Blues, but if they can't get him before the Palace fixture, Moyes may already have a different plan up his sleeve for the right-back spot.

Supporters are tired of seeing O'Brien deputise in an unnatural position and Merlin Rohl may be the temporary solution.

The German midfielder has played at right-back during pre-season and could play there while the Merseyside outfit work on signing Johnston.

Nathan Patterson