The reported Alistair Johnston Everton move should test Celtic’s ambition, planning and ability to protect a Champions League squad.
Daily Record claims Everton are preparing a significant offer for the Canadian international.
No official bid has arrived yet, according to the report.
However, David Moyes is reportedly ready to test Celtic’s resolve.
Celtic’s response should be calm, firm and remarkably simple.
Bring exceptional money and wait until Johnston’s replacement is already inside the building.
Alistair Johnston Everton Move Must Suit Celtic
Celtic hold every important card in this situation.
Johnston remains under contract until 2029.
The club are financially secure and have no pressing requirement to sell him.
Therefore, Everton’s interest should not automatically become Celtic’s emergency.
A bid exceeding £10 million would not be enough, despite the impressive profit involved.
Johnston cost around £3 million and has developed into an established international defender.
He has also proved his quality during major European matches.
If Everton offer something approaching £20 million, Celtic must consider it.
That would represent exceptional business and could become extremely difficult to reject.
However, accepting the money without securing a replacement would be reckless.
Celtic Already Know How Succession Planning Works
Celtic handled Josip Juranovic’s departure exactly as a properly organised club should.
They knew interest in the Croatian defender could eventually produce a significant offer.
Instead of waiting for his departure, Celtic acted first.
Johnston was signed before Juranovic completed his move to Union Berlin.
The replacement entered the building before the vacancy appeared.
That was proactive recruitment rather than the usual frantic treasure hunt after the damage is done.
Sadly, Celtic do not currently appear to have another Johnston waiting.
That should concern everyone before negotiations even begin.
Ralston And Donovan Cannot Carry The European Burden
Anthony Ralston remains a committed professional who understands Celtic and rarely lacks effort.
Colby Donovan also appears to have encouraging potential.
Both could handle plenty of domestic football when required.
However, neither should become Celtic’s automatic first-choice right-back for a European campaign.
Scottish Premiership cover and Champions League quality are two completely different requirements.
Europe identifies weaknesses with the enthusiasm of a seagull spotting an unattended bag of chips.
Celtic cannot enter those matches hoping determination compensates for reduced quality.
Hope might sell season tickets, but it remains a dreadful recruitment strategy.
Celtic Must Replace Before They Sell
Selling Johnston first would resemble removing your front door before ordering another one.
The money might look attractive until every undesirable character walks straight inside.
Celtic have repeatedly left important recruitment unfinished until pressure becomes unavoidable.
They react to departures instead of preparing properly for predictable possibilities.
Johnston attracting Premier League interest was entirely predictable.
His performances, international profile and contract situation made that obvious.
A replacement shortlist should already exist.
Discussions with suitable candidates should already have started.
The board should not require Everton’s official letter before discovering right-backs exist.
Celtic Hold All The Cards And Shouldn’t Blink
Celtic should reject any ordinary offer without hesitation.
They do not need £10 million and should not weaken themselves for another healthy bank balance.
An extraordinary £20 million proposal would deserve serious consideration.
Even then, Celtic must control the timetable and every condition.
No replacement means no transfer.
No exceptional fee means no discussion.
No clear sporting benefit means Johnston remains exactly where he is.
Celtic managed the Juranovic transition perfectly because Johnston arrived first.
That example should become standard procedure rather than a fond memory of competent planning.
If Everton truly want Johnston, they must pay Celtic’s price.
Then they must wait until Celtic have secured his immediate successor.
Celtic hold every card here.
For once, those running the club should resist the temptation to fold a winning hand.