30/07/2026
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Alistair Johnston at World Cup 2026
(Photo by Kevin C Cox/Getty Images)
The silly season rolls on, and this week’s recycled Scottish tabloid filler sees Everton linked with a £10M+ swoop for Celtic’s Canadian right-back, Alistair Johnston.
According to reports in The Daily Record (and enthusiastically parroted across the aggregator blogosphere), David Moyes has earmarked the 27-year-old as the "long-term heir to Séamus Coleman." Because, as we all know, Everton haven't tried to find an heir to Séamus Coleman since the Queen died.
With Nathan Patterson supposedly attracting glances from mainland Europe and Coleman continuing his transition into eternal folklore, the rumour machine insists Everton are preparing a formal approach to test Celtic's resolve for a player under contract in Glasgow until 2029.
On paper, Johnston’s numbers during his early spell at Celtic Park were genuinely impressive for a modern full-back:
| Metric | Detail / Stats |
| Age / Position | 27 | Right-Back (Canada International) |
| Contract | Signed extension through June 2029 |
| Peak Output (2023–2025) | 11 goals, 19 assists across two seasons |
| International Experience | 50+ caps for Canada, starter at 2022 & 2026 World Cups |
When fit, Johnston is a combative, high-energy full-back who loves getting forward, whipping in low crosses, and mixing it up physically. In theory, he fits the classic Moyes template: workhorse, reliable on the overlap, and versatile enough to tuck in at centre-back.
But hold on a moment... Here is where the Everton Ellite Recruitment alarm bells start ringing: Johnston missed virtually the entirety of the 2025-26 season with recurring soft-tissue injuries:
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August 2025 – October 2025: Hamstring injury (2 months out)
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October 2025 – April 2026: Aggravated hamstring injury (6 months out)
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Total 2025-26 Appearances: Just 11 matches across all competitions for Celtic.
Having spent years watching Nathan Patterson and Yerry Mina alternate shifts in the Finch Farm treatment room, do Everton really want to drop £10M+ on a 27-year-old who spent 6 months on the treatment table last season?
Furthermore, Celtic extended Johnston’s contract until 2029 in late 2024. Peter Lawwell and the Celtic board do not do cut-price favours for Premier League clubs. They will demand top dollar — well North of £10M–£12M — for a player they are in no rush to sell.
This smells suspiciously like classic agent noise aimed at keeping Johnston’s profile high in England following Canada's World Cup run, mixed with Scottish sports writers needing to fill column inches before August.
For Everton, despite the daily drumbeat that we need a new right-back, splashing over £10M on an injury-prone full-back from the Scottish Premiership when funds remain tight makes little sense. And If Patterson stays, Everton already have two right-backs who struggle to make 30 games a year. Adding a third feels like gluttony for punishment.
Reader Comments (52)
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Christy Ring
2 Posted 29/07/2026 at 21:13:08
2 Posted 29/07/2026 at 21:13:08
We're still being linked with Johnston at Celtic.
He's a good fullback but missed a big chunk of the season with a recurring hamstring problem?
He's a good fullback but missed a big chunk of the season with a recurring hamstring problem?
John Collins
3 Posted 30/07/2026 at 08:49:38
3 Posted 30/07/2026 at 08:49:38
All over the Scottish press today.
Everton prepar a bid for Alistair Johnston.
Wait and see...
Everton prepar a bid for Alistair Johnston.
Wait and see...
Michael Kenrick
4 Posted 30/07/2026 at 11:48:33
4 Posted 30/07/2026 at 11:48:33
Can't say I recall him standing out in the Fifa Moneyfest.
Still, £10M isn't much for a player these days...
Still, £10M isn't much for a player these days...
Tom Bowers
5 Posted 30/07/2026 at 11:55:14
5 Posted 30/07/2026 at 11:55:14
The rumours will abound as the Summer rolls on but this is not one we should not believe at all. No more sick note players, please!
We haven't had a decent Scottish right-back since Alex Parker and most of today's fans may not remember how good he was but, back then, full-backs were defenders not extra forwards.
We haven't had a decent Scottish right-back since Alex Parker and most of today's fans may not remember how good he was but, back then, full-backs were defenders not extra forwards.
Brian Harrison
6 Posted 30/07/2026 at 12:30:53
6 Posted 30/07/2026 at 12:30:53
I would imagine all the fitness work is complete and now, during our next 4 friendlies against Hamburg, Stuttgart, Newcastle and Lille, it will be about which players start the season.
I would have thought a striker would have been the most important signing. Rather than Delap, I would take the other man at Chelsea who seems surplus to requirements, Nicholas Jackson.
I would have taken Wellbeck in a heartbeat. Hopefully O'Brien and Branthwaite will be our centre-back pairing. With Garner out, our midfield looks a little lightweight and other than Dewsbury-Hall, none of the others chip in with goals.
I think we need to get the best price for Ndiaye and bring in a striker and fullback. We have 4 friendlies left we need to see the hopefully new players starting in those games.
I would have thought a striker would have been the most important signing. Rather than Delap, I would take the other man at Chelsea who seems surplus to requirements, Nicholas Jackson.
I would have taken Wellbeck in a heartbeat. Hopefully O'Brien and Branthwaite will be our centre-back pairing. With Garner out, our midfield looks a little lightweight and other than Dewsbury-Hall, none of the others chip in with goals.
I think we need to get the best price for Ndiaye and bring in a striker and fullback. We have 4 friendlies left we need to see the hopefully new players starting in those games.
Mike Hayes
7 Posted 30/07/2026 at 13:50:47
7 Posted 30/07/2026 at 13:50:47
If he fits Moyes's criteria and he's injured he'll be with us next season. 🙄
Alan McGuffog
8 Posted 30/07/2026 at 14:38:47
8 Posted 30/07/2026 at 14:38:47
Whatever happened to Papa Gueye?
Thought he was on the brink of a dream move to Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Thought he was on the brink of a dream move to Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Ajay Gopal
9 Posted 30/07/2026 at 14:46:05
9 Posted 30/07/2026 at 14:46:05
Alistair Johnston as Everton's new RB candidate does not set the pulse racing, but it could turn out to be a master stroke if he stays fit.
But why are we always scrounging around in the basement, when other clubs always seem to act decisively and pay big money to get their target players? What happened to the likes of Djed Spence, Doue, etc?
But why are we always scrounging around in the basement, when other clubs always seem to act decisively and pay big money to get their target players? What happened to the likes of Djed Spence, Doue, etc?
Jack Convery
10 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:26:56
10 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:26:56
He looks like the Moyesiahs love child, no wonder he wants to bring him to HD.
John Collins
11 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:32:39
11 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:32:39
Artifical insemination.
Scottish Presbyterians don't do that type of stuff
Scottish Presbyterians don't do that type of stuff
Jay Harris
12 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:46:16
12 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:46:16
If we can't do better than Johnson after over a year scouting we might as well sack the whole "Elite" recruitment team.
We have been linked with a host of full backs and this one looks like the cheapest and a bit of sticking plaster.
FFS Everton act like an elite team and go and get the best full back available, not some cheap north of the border Average Joe with an injury record that makes him a potential regular on the Finch Farm treatment table.
In other news, Ndiaye's father has said he is going nowhere and certainly not to Saudi.
We have been linked with a host of full backs and this one looks like the cheapest and a bit of sticking plaster.
FFS Everton act like an elite team and go and get the best full back available, not some cheap north of the border Average Joe with an injury record that makes him a potential regular on the Finch Farm treatment table.
In other news, Ndiaye's father has said he is going nowhere and certainly not to Saudi.
Andrew McLawrence
13 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:49:44
13 Posted 30/07/2026 at 16:49:44
Looks slow and limited going forward.
It's a No from me.
It's a No from me.
Bill Hawker
14 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:19:24
14 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:19:24
Is he that much of an improvement on Patterson?
I'd say no so don't bother and look for a much more attractive candidate.
I'd say no so don't bother and look for a much more attractive candidate.
Ian Bennett
15 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:21:53
15 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:21:53
Shite bill
Alan McGuffog
16 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:27:40
16 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:27:40
John they disapprove of having sex standing up. They think it could lead to dancing
John Collins
17 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:29:32
17 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:29:32
😂 😂 😂
Jack Convery
18 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:39:23
18 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:39:23
He played in 5 WC matches and completed 90 plus minutes in all. Had 1 assist,
He also started 4 of Celtics' last league matches, including games against Rangers and Hearts. He totaled 305 minutes and got one assist. He played the whole 90 minutes of the Scottish Cup Final and had 1 assist.
His career stats for Celtic are 122 games, 7 goals and 24 assists.
Overall his stats are 215 games, 12 goals with 29 assists.
His hamstring injury kept him out from 23 August 2025 until he played on 23 October 2025 for 26 minutes. He was then out with the same injury from 26 October 2025 (probably rushed back) and returned on 25 April 2026. He has been fit since.
So we either take a chance on him being actually over the injury or leave it well alone.
He also started 4 of Celtics' last league matches, including games against Rangers and Hearts. He totaled 305 minutes and got one assist. He played the whole 90 minutes of the Scottish Cup Final and had 1 assist.
His career stats for Celtic are 122 games, 7 goals and 24 assists.
Overall his stats are 215 games, 12 goals with 29 assists.
His hamstring injury kept him out from 23 August 2025 until he played on 23 October 2025 for 26 minutes. He was then out with the same injury from 26 October 2025 (probably rushed back) and returned on 25 April 2026. He has been fit since.
So we either take a chance on him being actually over the injury or leave it well alone.
Mike Gaynes
19 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:52:37
19 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:52:37
Michael, you wouldn't be just a bit biased on this player, would ya?
Extensive detail on his injuries last season... but not one word of mention that he played every minute of Canada's five games at the World Cup, and therefore fitness obviously isn't a current problem. You're an editor, man. A certain modicum of fairness is to be expected.
I've seen him many times for Canada and like him for us. He's pure warrior, Seamus-like. And more accurate on crosses. But he doesn't move the needle -- not the level of talent I'm hoping to see us bring in.
Johnston would solve our right back problem, but he wouldn't make us majorly better.
Extensive detail on his injuries last season... but not one word of mention that he played every minute of Canada's five games at the World Cup, and therefore fitness obviously isn't a current problem. You're an editor, man. A certain modicum of fairness is to be expected.
I've seen him many times for Canada and like him for us. He's pure warrior, Seamus-like. And more accurate on crosses. But he doesn't move the needle -- not the level of talent I'm hoping to see us bring in.
Johnston would solve our right back problem, but he wouldn't make us majorly better.
John Collins
20 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:55:27
20 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:55:27
Don't think there will be a problem with how competitive he is.
Ice Hockey background I read somewhere.
Whether he's good enough football wise I don't know.
Ice Hockey background I read somewhere.
Whether he's good enough football wise I don't know.
Ian Pilkington
21 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:58:10
21 Posted 30/07/2026 at 17:58:10
Never heard of him but presumably our wonderful recruitment team have been watching videos of his outstanding performances against Falkirk, St Mirren and Motherwell…
Gavin Johnson
22 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:00:15
22 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:00:15
A good signing if he's bought to fill out the squad.
A poor signing that shows a lack of ambition if he's bought as our primary right-back signing.
A poor signing that shows a lack of ambition if he's bought as our primary right-back signing.
Joe McMahon
23 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:12:35
23 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:12:35
Just seen some comments from Celtic fans on social media. A Blue asking for their thoughts.
Injured a lot. On the small side, quieter than Leighton Baines, and they would be glad to see him leave.
Not exactly reassuring.
Injured a lot. On the small side, quieter than Leighton Baines, and they would be glad to see him leave.
Not exactly reassuring.
Gavin Johnson
24 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:30:41
24 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:30:41
Joe, I commented on an Everton video on YouTube last night and made my previous point that he would only make a good squad addition for us, and 3 Celtic fans were incensed I'd said that, and also that the fee would reportedly be £10M.
They were making out he's too good for us and he's worth much more than £10M. I've seen a couple of comments similar to what you say, but they were mostly claiming he's amazing.
They were making out he's too good for us and he's worth much more than £10M. I've seen a couple of comments similar to what you say, but they were mostly claiming he's amazing.
Joe McMahon
25 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:36:01
25 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:36:01
Thanks, Gavin.
It's the injuries that concern me most.
It's the injuries that concern me most.
Gavin Johnson
26 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:44:08
26 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:44:08
Yeah, he has a history of injuries and is 28 in October. He's received a lot of praise playing for Canada so I think Mike Gaynes is pretty accurate in his assessment watching him. However, for me it's a signing that shows little ambition if he is bought and expected to be in the starting XI at his age and previous injuries.
£10M is peanuts these days though, so I'm happy for the deal to happen as long as we also buy someone like Rico Lewis.
£10M is peanuts these days though, so I'm happy for the deal to happen as long as we also buy someone like Rico Lewis.
Andrew Ellams
27 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:49:40
27 Posted 30/07/2026 at 18:49:40
I'm not sure playing Celtic's last 4 league games followed by 5 World Cup games necessarily means his injury problems have gone away.
Some of the most injury prone players can manage a run of 9 games without breaking down.
Some of the most injury prone players can manage a run of 9 games without breaking down.
Ian Bennett
28 Posted 30/07/2026 at 19:26:39
28 Posted 30/07/2026 at 19:26:39
This is Everton in a nutshell. The right back issue has been a problem since coleman broke his leg 9 years ago, and decades before that.
Since weve tried Holgate, Obrien, Godfrey, Young, Sidibe, Kenny, Patterson, Martina. A Who's Who of Shite Right backs no better than Okane, mitch ward, Tony Thomas, Marc Hottinger & any other dreadful signing weve included in our starting XI.
Solving that with £10m bid for that type of player, totally underlines the lack of financial punch or pulling power this club has.
It is the type of signing Hull or Ipswich would be in for, rather than top 6 club or a club wish aspiration to challenge the top 6.
Scouting team saw it out. There has to be a right back looking to progress, that has the physical & technical ability to cement a place here. We are looking for a right back not big foot or the Loch Ness monster.
Since weve tried Holgate, Obrien, Godfrey, Young, Sidibe, Kenny, Patterson, Martina. A Who's Who of Shite Right backs no better than Okane, mitch ward, Tony Thomas, Marc Hottinger & any other dreadful signing weve included in our starting XI.
Solving that with £10m bid for that type of player, totally underlines the lack of financial punch or pulling power this club has.
It is the type of signing Hull or Ipswich would be in for, rather than top 6 club or a club wish aspiration to challenge the top 6.
Scouting team saw it out. There has to be a right back looking to progress, that has the physical & technical ability to cement a place here. We are looking for a right back not big foot or the Loch Ness monster.
John Collins
29 Posted 30/07/2026 at 19:29:45
29 Posted 30/07/2026 at 19:29:45
A clear sign of TFG spending intentions Ian.
Paul Griffiths
30 Posted 30/07/2026 at 19:35:02
30 Posted 30/07/2026 at 19:35:02
ERM 'Megabid.???!!!!!!!
Alan McGuffog 8: Whatever happened to Papa Gueye?
Had exactly the same thought Alan. Wondering if the Ndiaye situation has changed his mind.
Alan McGuffog 8: Whatever happened to Papa Gueye?
Had exactly the same thought Alan. Wondering if the Ndiaye situation has changed his mind.
David West
31 Posted 30/07/2026 at 20:26:37
31 Posted 30/07/2026 at 20:26:37
Is he another Patterson though? Hard to judge any player who's done okay in Scotland for the big 2. I reckon we could put a TW 11 out in the Scottish Premiership and do okay!
Surely this right-back slot is the one position in the squad where you could justify dropping a big transfer fee for a good quality player?
Seems the club are trying to hold their nerve, and see if clubs lower fees the longer the window goes... Dangerous game, it could pay off.
It could also go tits-up: Jake O'Brien and Jarrad Branthwaite get injured and we are left with a back 4 of Rohl, Tarkowski, Keane and Mykolenko.
Whatever happened to trying to come out of a transfer window with a stronger squad than you started?
Surely this right-back slot is the one position in the squad where you could justify dropping a big transfer fee for a good quality player?
Seems the club are trying to hold their nerve, and see if clubs lower fees the longer the window goes... Dangerous game, it could pay off.
It could also go tits-up: Jake O'Brien and Jarrad Branthwaite get injured and we are left with a back 4 of Rohl, Tarkowski, Keane and Mykolenko.
Whatever happened to trying to come out of a transfer window with a stronger squad than you started?
Stu Darlington
32 Posted 30/07/2026 at 21:05:16
32 Posted 30/07/2026 at 21:05:16
Of all the leagues in all the world and we can't find a right-back with 2 legs.?
Must be a tough job being on a specialist transfer team. You can't imagine the pressure!
Must be a tough job being on a specialist transfer team. You can't imagine the pressure!
Mike Gaynes
33 Posted 30/07/2026 at 21:09:01
33 Posted 30/07/2026 at 21:09:01
David, watch back any of Canada‘s World Cup matches and you'll see a quality professional right back with a fierce competitive attitude and considerable passing skill. Definitely Premier League ready in my view. Much more competent defender than Spence for example.
But certainly not a star we want to move us forward.
But certainly not a star we want to move us forward.
Vijay Nair
34 Posted 30/07/2026 at 23:31:18
34 Posted 30/07/2026 at 23:31:18
"If Patterson stays, Everton already have two right-backs who struggle to make 30 games a year. Adding a third feels like gluttony for punishment."
Which two RBs are you referring to? We only have Patterson since Seamus left. The rest are all square pegs in round holes.
Which two RBs are you referring to? We only have Patterson since Seamus left. The rest are all square pegs in round holes.
Ian Bennett
35 Posted 31/07/2026 at 03:06:23
35 Posted 31/07/2026 at 03:06:23
Ive read something where he could be second choice. That is more palatable.
Mike Gaynes
36 Posted 31/07/2026 at 04:52:36
36 Posted 31/07/2026 at 04:52:36
Ian, we will certainly need two of them, particularly if we make a Cup run. You're right, this guy would make a great depth piece behind... Doue? Lewis? Wan-Bissaka?
One thing for sure, Johnson is no Patterson, no Sidibe, no Godfrey. He will never let us down for a minute. I've seen him play close to 20 times between the WC and qualifiers and the Copa America. He helped beat the USA in a WC qualifier four years ago when he was just a kid. Totally fearless. True warrior. Hibbo heart with more talent.
One thing for sure, Johnson is no Patterson, no Sidibe, no Godfrey. He will never let us down for a minute. I've seen him play close to 20 times between the WC and qualifiers and the Copa America. He helped beat the USA in a WC qualifier four years ago when he was just a kid. Totally fearless. True warrior. Hibbo heart with more talent.
Alan J Thompson
37 Posted 31/07/2026 at 05:23:13
37 Posted 31/07/2026 at 05:23:13
Well I've read on here that he's had a similar injury several times but has played the last 4 games for Celtic and 5 at the WC for Canada that he's not very tall but is a warrior but does that mean he has a fast horse that makes him look taller but slower on the turn and while there has been figures pointing out his goals and assists does anyone know what he does when there is nobody to cross to or if he can tackle, if his stats show he's any good at it and how did he end up at Celtic.
On the plus side our present Manager should know all about the standard at Celtic which should also be an advantage if you happened to be manager of the Scotland national team or have the final say on transfers at your current club.
On the plus side our present Manager should know all about the standard at Celtic which should also be an advantage if you happened to be manager of the Scotland national team or have the final say on transfers at your current club.
Eric Myles
38 Posted 31/07/2026 at 06:28:16
38 Posted 31/07/2026 at 06:28:16
Moyes has a habit of signing injured full backs and turning them into star players (Baines and Coleman) so could likely work a bit of magic with this guy, and £10 mill is cheap (£60,000 adjusted for inflation?)
And at least he's not a youngster so Moyes will trust him from the off.
"Hibbo heart with more talent." He'll do for me then Mike.
And at least he's not a youngster so Moyes will trust him from the off.
"Hibbo heart with more talent." He'll do for me then Mike.
Mike Gaynes
39 Posted 31/07/2026 at 07:23:41
39 Posted 31/07/2026 at 07:23:41
Alan, yes, he’s a very good tackler who doesn’t miss and doesn’t commit dumb fouls while doing it. Not especially pacey but hard to get past.
In attack, he drives the ball forward well and prefers an early cross, but if there’s nobody to cross to, he will turn it back every time. Does not beat people off the dribble.
He’s not a little guy. Bigger thanSeamus or Hibbo or young. But of course, a good 6 inch shorter than the incumbent.
In attack, he drives the ball forward well and prefers an early cross, but if there’s nobody to cross to, he will turn it back every time. Does not beat people off the dribble.
He’s not a little guy. Bigger thanSeamus or Hibbo or young. But of course, a good 6 inch shorter than the incumbent.
John Keating
40 Posted 31/07/2026 at 07:31:58
40 Posted 31/07/2026 at 07:31:58
Well I have seen him play and to be honest, in my opinion, totally underwhelming
Andrew Ellams
41 Posted 31/07/2026 at 07:41:28
41 Posted 31/07/2026 at 07:41:28
Looks like a lazy deal that they think will appease the fans just because he's a right back.
I think it was Johns Collins that called the owners carpet baggers a few days ago and this is just another sign of that.
I think it was Johns Collins that called the owners carpet baggers a few days ago and this is just another sign of that.
Darren Hind
42 Posted 31/07/2026 at 08:03:03
42 Posted 31/07/2026 at 08:03:03
Yep
I've seen a bit of him too. Never stood out in a very poor league for me.
I agree JOB needs to be played in his natural position, but, IMO he is totally underestimated as a full back defensively - No long diagonals going over his head
We need an upgrade, not simply a replacement.
BTW; Moyes did NOT sign Coleman
I've seen a bit of him too. Never stood out in a very poor league for me.
I agree JOB needs to be played in his natural position, but, IMO he is totally underestimated as a full back defensively - No long diagonals going over his head
We need an upgrade, not simply a replacement.
BTW; Moyes did NOT sign Coleman
Steve Brown
50 Posted 31/07/2026 at 09:37:59
50 Posted 31/07/2026 at 09:37:59
28 years old and never played in a top 5 league.
I watched a few of Canada's World Cup games and cannot recollect him at all.
Guess he was hiding in plain sight.
I watched a few of Canada's World Cup games and cannot recollect him at all.
Guess he was hiding in plain sight.
Phil Roberts
51 Posted 31/07/2026 at 11:39:04
51 Posted 31/07/2026 at 11:39:04
Why would we want a player in the squad who has hamstring issues last season? How many games did he play? 10? Okay, maybe he is fit now and recovered but when will he break down again?
If Man Utd offer £70M for Branthwaite, we should take it. Oh, sorry, we are not talking about the best left-sided defender in the Premier League but someone who seems to have the same injury issue and played 1 more game and thinking on that basis he is someone we should not even look at.
Welcome to ToffeeWeb... where consistent thinking is best avoided.
If Man Utd offer £70M for Branthwaite, we should take it. Oh, sorry, we are not talking about the best left-sided defender in the Premier League but someone who seems to have the same injury issue and played 1 more game and thinking on that basis he is someone we should not even look at.
Welcome to ToffeeWeb... where consistent thinking is best avoided.
Jeff Spiers
52 Posted 31/07/2026 at 12:38:23
52 Posted 31/07/2026 at 12:38:23
No
Ian Pilkington
53 Posted 31/07/2026 at 12:47:57
53 Posted 31/07/2026 at 12:47:57
Phil @51,
Branthwaite will be better than Stones and, if rumours are correct, he will make an outstanding captain.
Selling him to Man Utd at any price would be outrageous.
Branthwaite will be better than Stones and, if rumours are correct, he will make an outstanding captain.
Selling him to Man Utd at any price would be outrageous.
Alan J Thompson
54 Posted 31/07/2026 at 15:02:59
54 Posted 31/07/2026 at 15:02:59
Mike (#39);
That description of him in attack sounds very much like that which gets Mykolenko so much criticism on here.
That description of him in attack sounds very much like that which gets Mykolenko so much criticism on here.
Mike Gaynes
55 Posted 31/07/2026 at 15:26:51
55 Posted 31/07/2026 at 15:26:51
The difference, Alan, is that Johnston is a highly accurate passer and crosser of the ball, where Mykolenko is not.
But yes, I would say they are players of a similar level. Contributors but not stars.
And I'd say the quoted price is appropriate for a competent squad player. Of course, buying competent squad players somehow means in some strange corners here that the owners are looking to squeeze the club and sell it off.
What people post here sometimes is just truly bizarre.
But yes, I would say they are players of a similar level. Contributors but not stars.
And I'd say the quoted price is appropriate for a competent squad player. Of course, buying competent squad players somehow means in some strange corners here that the owners are looking to squeeze the club and sell it off.
What people post here sometimes is just truly bizarre.
Kevin Molloy
56 Posted 31/07/2026 at 16:01:17
56 Posted 31/07/2026 at 16:01:17
So, to sum up....
Angus put together what he modestly described as a world class recruitment team last year. And now here we are, August tomorrow, when the rubber hits the road and we find out if they are actually any good, and our most urgent position, right-back, is to be filled by a 28-year-old currently playing in the Scottish Premiership?
It does beg the further question: What the fuck have they been doing all year (beside going down en masse to watch the girls play at St Andrews)???
Angus put together what he modestly described as a world class recruitment team last year. And now here we are, August tomorrow, when the rubber hits the road and we find out if they are actually any good, and our most urgent position, right-back, is to be filled by a 28-year-old currently playing in the Scottish Premiership?
It does beg the further question: What the fuck have they been doing all year (beside going down en masse to watch the girls play at St Andrews)???
John Collins
57 Posted 31/07/2026 at 16:18:39
57 Posted 31/07/2026 at 16:18:39
Mike,
No way they will sell in the near future.
Do you think we will sign a higher profile right-back if Johnston is a squad player?
No way they will sell in the near future.
Do you think we will sign a higher profile right-back if Johnston is a squad player?
Mike Gaynes
58 Posted 31/07/2026 at 19:04:08
58 Posted 31/07/2026 at 19:04:08
John @57, I would view it rather as a solid backup signing in case our big-time right back targets all turn us down for bigger clubs, or just stay where they are.
Which is a distinct possibility. Both Milan clubs are in hard for Doue and can offer Champions League football. De Zerbi is trying to convince Spence to stay at Spurs. Man City is willing to sell Rico Lewis, but he doesn't want to go. All this stuff is up in the air.
Johnston would at least improve our defence by enabling O'Brien to move centrally where he belongs.
Which is a distinct possibility. Both Milan clubs are in hard for Doue and can offer Champions League football. De Zerbi is trying to convince Spence to stay at Spurs. Man City is willing to sell Rico Lewis, but he doesn't want to go. All this stuff is up in the air.
Johnston would at least improve our defence by enabling O'Brien to move centrally where he belongs.
John Collins
59 Posted 31/07/2026 at 19:09:45
59 Posted 31/07/2026 at 19:09:45
I'd have a large wager O'Brien will start at right back v Palace, Mike.
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1 Posted 29/07/2026 at 19:16:00