Amid growing speculation about his future, Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has made it clear that he remains committed to the Scottish club. The Canadian international, who has become a pivotal player for the Hoops, stated emphatically, "I’m in no rush to take a Scottish dog out of Scotland. That’d be its own challenge." This quirky remark not only reflects Johnston’s love for his new home but also underscores his sentimentality and attachment to the club he joined from CF Montreal in January 2023.
Johnston, 27, has quickly established himself as a fan favorite since his arrival, bringing a different style of play to the right-back position compared to his predecessor, Josip Juranovic. The Croatian had left high expectations in his wake, moving to Union Berlin, but Johnston has shown that he can thrive under pressure. He admitted in an interview with The Guardian: "That’s the pressure that you need to enjoy. That is the Celtic standard. It is taxing mentally but it means so much when you’re at a club like that."
Recently, Johnston has come under scrutiny from Canada’s national team manager, Jesse Marsch, who noted that some games in the Scottish Premiership might be "too easy" for the young defender. Marsch's comments sparked discussions about Johnston's long-term future, suggesting that he could benefit from a more competitive environment.
According to reports, clubs from England's Premier League, including Fulham and Ipswich Town, have shown interest in acquiring the strong right-back, putting Johnston in the spotlight. However, despite the tempting prospects of a big move, Johnston has remained grounded about his current situation.
"I don’t take for granted what an unbelievable opportunity this club has given me," he said, staying true to his commitment to Celtic, where he feels at home with his fiancée, Peyton Pesavento, and their dog, Salem. Johnston described his life in Glasgow as a "unique experience," where the football culture is woven intricately into daily life.
In the wake of Celtic’s recent defeat to rivals Rangers in a high-stakes Glasgow Derby, Johnston aimed to galvanize his spirits heading into the international fixtures. He expressed his understanding of the significance that the club holds for its fans: "I see what the club means to people. I understand that if I’m a fan of a club like this, what I would like to see from my players." He further asserted his passionate commitment to every match, likening his dedication to the team's success to the expectations placed upon players at Celtic.
With the Scottish Premiership title within reach and a chance to secure another treble looming, Johnston has contributed significantly to the club’s success, helping them perform well in domestic competitions and achieving important milestones in European play. With 41 appearances so far this season, he has netted four goals and provided nine assists.
Reflecting upon his time in Glasgow, Johnston reminisced about the rich history and prestige of Celtic, describing it as a "storied football club" where everyone knows who you are, creating what he calls a "fish bowl" effect around his life. "It’s the biggest fish bowl in all of Europe. Everyone knows who you are. You don’t know if they love you or hate you but you know they know who you are," he expressed, capturing the essence of playing in such a passionate footballing city.
As he prepares for crucial international duties with the Canadian national team in the CONCACAF Nations League against Mexico, Johnston knows that he has a supportive foundation at Celtic. He relishes the camaraderie both on and off the pitch and is committed to delivering his best to represent both club and country.
Commenting on the current political tensions impacting his homeland, Johnston, who is fueled by a sense of unity among Canadians, referenced the recent hockey victory against the USA. He emphasized that such moments symbolize the resilience of Canadians in uncertain times, noting, "We have shown through hockey how unified we can be; we’re going to have our chance here to do it and build even more momentum going into the 2026 World Cup. Our country is under threat, under attack … it should add an extra couple of degrees of intensity."
Therefore, while whispers of a summer transfer linger, Johnston remains loyal to Celtic and grateful for what the club has afforded him since moving from MLS to Scotland. The atmosphere, the fan engagement, and the competitive spirit are aspects he cherishes deeply. Whether on or off the field, Johnston embodies the dedication and heart that represents Celtic and its community, and he looks forward to what the future holds with a firm stance in Glasgow.
