It’s now official: CF Montreal defender Alistair Johnston has been transferred to the prestigious Glasgow Celtic, a historic Scottish Premier League club.
The Canadian international’s transfer will be in effect from 1er January 2023. But Celtic say he will join his new teammates next week. The player has signed a five-year deal with his new club.
“I want to thank Alistair, the man, for his professionalism and his mentality in everything he has done with the club, said the sporting director and vice-president of the club, Olivier Renard. But also the player who brought us a lot on the field and outside, in Montreal and in the national team. »
“He is an example of how we want to see things evolve, with a player who comes with clear ideas and who gives everything for the team. When an opportunity arises with a big club like Celtic, we listen to our player. »
Alistair Johnston had been acquired from Nashville SC, in late December 2021, in exchange for $1 million in general allocation money. He quickly became a pillar of the Montreal defense, playing almost every game for the club during the season. Under Wilfried Nancy, Johnston even added an attacking side to his game, scoring four goals and registering five assists in 33 MLS games. At the end of the season, he won the Defensive Player of the Year award, presented by the CFM.
“Montreal welcomed me warmly from day one,” said the defender in a press release. He helped me reach a level that I doubted I could reach. I was lucky to find myself in this group with talented leaders and players, but even better, with good people. Even though it was only one season together, I will never forget it. »
With Canada at the FIFA Men’s World Cup, Johnston started and played the full 90 minutes in all three of the team’s games. He is now in 33 games with the senior national team, with one goal and three assists during qualifying.
Glasgow-based Celtic FC are currently top of the Scottish league, with 14 wins in 15 games. This is a club with a partisan fervor almost unmatched in Europe. Celtic Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in world soccer.
Celtic have over 100 domestic titles in their history. He was European champion in 1967, in addition to having been a finalist in the UEFA Cup (the Europa League, today) in 2003. The Scottish club is a regular in European competitions, he who participates year after year in the Champions League.
For Johnston, who has never hidden his interest in possibly playing in Europe, Celtic is an excellent gateway to the championships of the old continent. Victor Wanyama went through the same club from 2011 to 2013, before joining Southampton then Tottenham in the Premier League.
Johnston’s new club coach Ange Postecoglou says the player has been on his radar “for quite a while”.
“He had an interesting journey, underlines the Australian technician in a press release. He had to work hard to get where he is. We are very happy to complete this transfer. I also think he did very well at the World Cup. »
“He is very excited to start the next stage of his career. I believe he will be a great addition to our dressing room, and to our football. He played predominantly on the right of defence, central defense or right back. He’s very good technically, likes to throw himself forward, and he’s a fierce competitor. He has no problem with the physical aspect of the game.”