Everton target Alistair Johnston and Martin O'Neill

Alistair Johnston and Martin O'NeillImago

Everton get clearer transfer answer on Alistair Johnston as Martin O'Neill shares new injury update

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Published on:

24 Aug 2026, 6:52 pm

Everton's pursuit of Celtic defender Alistair Johnston may be over, at least for the time being.

The Toffees have long-since had an issue to solve at right-back, and are working hard to find a solution before the close of the transfer window.

Merlin Rohl, more at home further up the pitch, was utilised at right-back as Everton started their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

While Rohl acquitted himself reasonably well in unfamiliar surroundings, there is an acceptance that a more natural option is needed.

David Moyes has spoken about Everton's search throughout the window, with several names having been linked.

But it looks as though one target in the form of Canada international Johnston might now have officially hit a dead end in the summer window.

What has Martin O'Neill said about Everton target Alistair Johnston?

Everton were heavily linked with a move for Johnston earlier in the summer.

However, it was reported their interest had cooled amid a discrepancy with Celtic over the Bhoys' asking price for 27-year-old.

The move was further complicated by a hamstring injury sustained by Johnston in Celtic's 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on 9 August.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill previously stated that Johnston was set to have a scan on the issue.

And it now looks as though Johnston could be absent until October as he recovers the from.

In quotes reported by Sky Sports, O'Neill told a press conference: "There was definitely something there, and I think the prognosis is really that it will be some time in October for him."

While it certainly represents a blow for Everton, at least now they have a more definitive view on their pursuit of the Canada ace.

Where Everton now stand in desperate right-back search after Angus Kinnear admission

David Moyes has clear Everton headache, how does he solve it?

There have been several right-backs linked to Everton throughout the window, but many have reached dead ends.

Djed Spence and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were previously said to be of interest to Everton, but the former has joined Inter Milan in Serie A, while the latter is on loan at Aston Villa.

A move for Johnston now seems futile, given he would not be available until October and then would need time to get back up to full speed and adjust to the Premier League.

Everton still have a little over a week to find a solution in the market, and that remains a pressing concern in the coming days.

Rohl looks likely to keep filling the void in the meantime, while Jake O'Brien played there predominantly last season.

James Garner has also filled in at right-back in the past, but moving him there would mean you lose his quality from the centre of midfield.

Moyes has a headache to solve, and it needs solving fast.

James Garner