Journalist Peter Galindo has claimed on the Celts Are Here YouTube channel that Celtic target Alistair Johnston could have as much success with the Bhoys as Reo Hatate has.
It has been widely reported that Celtic already have one January transfer lined up in the form of Canadian international Johnston, who’s played both games at the World Cup for his national side.
Johnston has now been backed to thrive much like Hatate, who joined earlier this year and has been a huge hit at Celtic Park, having already made 41 appearances and featured in all but three games this season, chipping in with six goals and seven assists since arriving.
Galindo, who has watched Johnston for Canada and during his time in MLS, believes the defender could achieve quick success just like January signing Hatate did.
He said: “In the case of Johnston and Hatate, they’re still kind of in those lean years where they’re still learning their craft, in a way – especially in the case of Hatate. I mean, he jumps up a completely different level going to Celtic, playing in the Champions League, having the pressure that a big club brings.
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“And I think for Johnston, he’s someone who’s, I think like Hatate so far at least, is going to thrive in that environment, because Johnston is a player who comes across very soft-spoken, very humble, he’s an open book; there’s nothing he won’t talk about.”
TIF Thoughts on Johnston…
It appears that the deal could be all but done for when the January transfer window opens, as Fabrizio Romano has tweeted that personal terms are now under discussion and that Montreal and Celtic are in talks over a transfer fee.
While Johnston arriving could look like a bizarre move given Ange Postecoglou already has Josip Juranovic to call upon, the Croatian’s future is very much up in the air, with the club said to be open to bids for him in the new year.
Therefore, the fact Celtic are preparing this far in advance just in case Juranovic does indeed depart should fill fans with confidence that their club is now being run as it should be.