Despite reported interest from Fulham, Ipswich, and other Premier League clubs, Celtic defender Alistair Johnston appears content with life at Parkhead—and a potential move seems far from his mind.
The 26-year-old Canadian international has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Celtic since joining under Ange Postecoglou in January 2023.
After impressing at the World Cup in Qatar, Johnston made the leap from Major League Soccer and Montreal to Scottish football—a transition he has embraced wholeheartedly.
Now a key figure at Celtic, Johnston has immersed himself in the club’s storied history, calling it a privilege to be part of such a prestigious institution.
His on-field success speaks for itself—he has won 75% of his matches with the Hoops, securing two league titles, two Scottish Cups, and two League Cups, with a potential domestic treble still in play this season.
Off the pitch, Johnston has built a life in Scotland with fiancée Peyton, whom he proposed to last year at Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire.
The couple shares a black Labrador, Salem, and Johnston has humorously admitted to wearing disguises during dog walks to navigate Glasgow’s passionate football culture.
“In Nashville and Montreal I could walk through the streets and not get any abuse. Over here, every single person knows who you are and they either love you or they hate you,” he revealed last year. “I’ve had my fair share of pep talks and scoldings from grandmothers on the street—the passion for the sport, it’s second to none.”
He added: “It’s something I’ve learned, that I’m not going to be there for ever so cherish it while you are there because it’s not normal—and it’s not normal to a lot of cities in the world and it’s not normal to a lot of players, no matter what club you play for. It’s a unique experience.”
Now, with speculation swirling over his future, Johnston has made it clear that his next career move—whenever it happens—will factor in his life with Peyton and Salem. However, a switch to England doesn’t appear imminent.
“I’m in no rush to take a Scottish dog out of Scotland,” he told The Guardian. “That’d be its own challenge. I don’t take for granted what an unbelievable opportunity this club has [given me].”
Currently on international duty following Celtic’s Old Firm defeat to Rangers, Johnston has temporarily stepped away from the intense Glasgow football bubble. Yet, even during breaks, the weight of expectation at Celtic remains on his mind.
“That’s the pressure that you need to enjoy. That is the Celtic standard,” he said. “It is taxing mentally but it means so much when you’re at a club like that.”
Reflecting on his connection with the fans, he added: “I see what the club means to people. I understand that if I’m a fan of a club like this, what would I like to see from my players? I’m honest with my work, defensively love a tackle, love being physical. I’m a bit football mad.”
As for life in Glasgow? “I love the city—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.”
With a smile, he concluded: “I’m not famous outside of maybe a 30-mile radius of Glasgow city centre … but what a radius.”
For now, it seems Johnston is exactly where he wants to be.