Martin O’Neill shares Alistair Johnston stance amid Celtic transfer speculation

Martin O’Neill reveals Alistair Johnston’s stance amid Celtic transfer interest

Martin O’Neill has admitted Alistair Johnston remains happy at Celtic despite growing transfer interest, while acknowledging that interest from a top Premier League club is something any player would naturally consider.

The Celtic manager has spent much of the summer fielding questions about potential arrivals and departures as the Scottish champions prepare for another crucial Champions League qualifying campaign.

Everton are among the clubs monitoring Johnston after the Canadian right-back impressed during the World Cup, prompting manager David Moyes to personally contact O’Neill about the player’s situation.

Speaking after those discussions, O’Neill revealed he has also spoken directly with Johnston, insisting the defender is fully committed to Celtic despite the speculation.

According to O’Neill, Johnston is settled in Glasgow and enjoys being at the club. However, he acknowledged that any player could be tempted if one of Europe’s biggest clubs came calling, adding that such a reaction would be perfectly understandable.

The Celtic boss also praised Moyes for contacting him directly before any formal developments, describing it as a respectful gesture between two managers who have known each other for many years.

While determined to keep Johnston at Celtic Park, O’Neill admitted the club must always be prepared for unexpected developments during the transfer window.

The manager also addressed fresh interest in midfielder Arne Engels, confirming there has been contact but insisting the offers received so far have fallen well below Celtic’s valuation of the Belgian international.

O’Neill stressed that the club’s recruitment team already has contingency plans in place should key players depart. He revealed that several transfer pursuits are progressing well, although previous deals have also collapsed because of circumstances beyond Celtic’s control.

In terms of arrivals, O’Neill confirmed Celtic remain keen on Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis and believes negotiations are moving in a positive direction. He also expressed confidence that the club can add more quality before the transfer window closes, pointing to the strong interest many players have shown in joining the Scottish champions.

The Celtic boss also hinted that Marcelo Saracchi could still be an option at left-back after the defender’s proposed move elsewhere failed to materialise, although Kieran Tierney remains the club’s undisputed first-choice in the position.

For now, O’Neill’s priority is keeping his strongest squad together ahead of Celtic’s Champions League play-off and Premiership campaign, while continuing to strengthen the group with further additions in the weeks ahead.