---
title: "Celtic: Hoops ‘closing in’ on Alistair Johnston signing"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/montreal-transfer-news-johnston-canada-world-cup/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Clancy"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-11-25T12:14:40Z"
modified: "2022-11-25T12:14:40Z"
---

# Celtic: Hoops ‘closing in’ on Alistair Johnston signing

**Journalist [Manuel Veth](https://twitter.com/ManuelVeth/status/1595594848752783360) has revealed that [Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Canada right-back Alistair Johnston.**

### The Lowdown: World Cup star

Johnston put in an impressive performance for Canada despite their 1-0 loss at the hands of Belgium in the FIFA [World Cup](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/world-cup-2022/) in Qatar.

The [versatile](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alistair-johnston/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/637446/plus/0?saison=&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) defender, who filled in at centre-back, won three of his duels, recorded one shot on target, one successful dribble, two tackles, three key passes, one accurate cross and one accurate long ball ([SofaScore](https://www.sofascore.com/canada-belgium/rUbscVb)).

He plays his club football in the MLS with Montreal, where he has scored four goals and made four assists in 39 appearances in total over all competitions ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alistair-johnston/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/637446/plus/0?saison=&verein=4078&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=)).

### The Latest: Celtic ‘closing in’

Taking to Twitter, [Veth](https://twitter.com/ManuelVeth/status/1595594848752783360) has revealed that ‘multiple sources’ have confirmed that Ange Postecoglou’s side are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Johnston, with a deal now ‘advanced’:

*“Multiple sources! Alistair Johnston is closing in on a move to Scottish giants #CelticFC. A deal is now advanced. The #CanMNT star also has a UK passport. He is under contract at #CFMTL until 2023 with 2 option years. He is currently starring at the World Cup.”*

[Key latest Celtic updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-9/)

### The Verdict: Another good signing

Following the signing of Japanese central defender Yuki Kobayashi, who the Hoops described as a ‘[hugely exciting talent](https://www.celticfc.com/news/2022/november/23/celtic-delighted-to-sign-yuki-kobayashi/)‘ in their announcement, Johnston looks set to be another smart acquisition at Parkhead.

He has recently received glowing praise from former Scottish Premiership full-back and Canadian legend [Colin Miller](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/sport/football/alistair-johnston-perfect-celtic-former-28581349), who claims that he would ‘suit’ the division, and is ‘very quick’, ‘very aggressive’ and ‘competitive’. Miller adds that he would be a ‘great signing for Celtic’, as he is ‘very ambitious’ going forward, but also ‘loves a tackle’.

With Johnston looking like he will join Kobayashi at the Celts, they could both give them a big push going into the second part of the season.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”415619″\]