Sport nationAlistair Johnston Eyes Another Extension at Celtic After Penning New Deal
Celtic’s standout right-back, Alistair Johnston, has expressed his desire to remain with the club long-term, even after signing a new five-year contract that extends his stay at Parkhead until 2029. The Canadian international, who has become an integral part of the Hoops since joining in January 2023, hinted that he may even consider finishing his career at the club.
The announcement of Johnston’s contract extension on Friday has been met with enthusiasm from fans, who have come to value the 26-year-old as one of Celtic’s most dependable players. Despite having several years left on his previous deal, Johnston was eager to commit his future to the Scottish giants, underlining his affection for the club and life in Scotland.
A Seamless Transition from Juranovic
When Celtic’s previous right-back, Josip Juranovic, left the club in January 2023, there were concerns over who would step into his shoes. Manager Ange Postecoglou wasted no time in identifying Johnston as a prime candidate, following the Canadian’s impressive performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Johnston’s arrival at Celtic was a seamless transition. The defender quickly made his presence felt, with his robust defending, attacking contributions, and leadership qualities standing out. Since his debut, Johnston has made 79 appearances for the club, tallying 20 goal contributions and playing a key role in securing five major domestic honors.
Reflecting on his decision to sign the new deal, Johnston told the Daily Record:
“Once the talks got going, I made it pretty clear to my agent that this is what I wanted to do. The club made it clear that they valued me and wanted to get it done as a priority. That’s what you want to hear from your employer.”
For Celtic fans, Johnston’s extension is a significant boost, solidifying a key position in the team for years to come. The defender’s blend of technical ability and commitment has made him a fan favorite, and his long-term presence promises to provide stability on the right flank.
A Future Legend? Johnston’s Long-Term Ambitions
The idea of finishing his career at Celtic is not lost on Johnston, though he acknowledges the difficulty of achieving such a feat. He pointed to club icons Callum McGregor and James Forrest as inspirations, noting how rare it is for players to maintain the consistency and longevity required to become legends at a club like Celtic.
“Could I finish my career here? That is a great question,” Johnston said. “If you could stand the test of time and meet the demands at Celtic, that would be unbelievably special. Only a handful of guys can do that—Callum McGregor and James Forrest are among the most decorated and legendary players here.”
While Johnston remains focused on the present, he hopes his performances over the next five years will warrant another extension down the line.
Life in Scotland: A Perfect Fit
Johnston’s love for Celtic extends beyond the pitch. The Canadian has embraced life in Scotland, finding a sense of stability and comfort that has influenced his decision to commit his future to the club. Since moving to Glasgow, Johnston has gotten engaged, adopted a dog, and even started using Scottish slang in his daily conversations.
“It’s definitely been nice in terms of having clarity and structure,” Johnston explained. “It’s not easy when you’re moving around every year. To think that Celtic offered me a five-year deal when I still had three years left on my contract shows how much they value me. That’s something they didn’t have to do.”
Johnston also joked about his experiences with Scottish culture, including trying Irn Bru, which he described as tasting “okay” but looking like something “that should be poured into an engine.” His attempts at golf, particularly at iconic courses like Troon and Turnberry, have been less successful, with the defender admitting to losing “30 balls on the back nine” during one outing.
A Testament to Celtic’s Stability
Johnston’s new contract is a testament to Celtic’s commitment to retaining their top talent and fostering stability within the squad. In a football world often characterized by short-term deals and constant turnover, the Hoops’ approach stands out. By securing Johnston until 2029, the club has not only locked down a key player but also sent a message about their long-term ambitions.
The Canadian’s rise at Celtic reflects a broader trend of players finding success and fulfillment at the club. Johnston has been vocal about how much he values the faith Celtic has shown in him, particularly given the significant life changes he has experienced since moving to Scotland.
“A lot has happened since I moved here,” Johnston said. “Getting engaged, adopting a dog, and setting roots—it feels like starting a family in some ways. My fiancée and I have really enjoyed our time here, and that wasn’t lost on us when making this decision.”
On-Field Contributions and Future Goals
Since joining Celtic, Johnston has become one of the most reliable performers in the squad. His defensive solidity, combined with his ability to contribute to attacks, has made him indispensable. With 79 appearances, 20 goal contributions, and five trophies already to his name, Johnston is well on his way to carving out a legacy at the club.
The 26-year-old’s versatility has also been a major asset, allowing him to adapt to different tactical setups and challenges. As Celtic continues to compete domestically and in Europe, Johnston’s role will be critical in maintaining the team’s high standards.
Looking ahead, Johnston is determined to help Celtic achieve more success. The defender is particularly focused on performing well in the UEFA Champions League, where the club’s ambitions extend beyond merely participating.
A Model Professional
Johnston’s professionalism and dedication have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaching staff. His willingness to commit to Celtic for the long term is a reflection of his character and his belief in the club’s vision.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Johnston for his work ethic and consistency, highlighting the defender as a key figure in the team’s plans. For Rodgers, securing Johnston’s future is not just about retaining a talented player but also about fostering a culture of loyalty and stability within the squad.
Fan Reaction and Legacy
Celtic fans have overwhelmingly welcomed the news of Johnston’s contract extension. The defender’s commitment to the club has resonated with supporters, who view him as a key part of the team’s identity. On social media, fans expressed their delight, with many calling Johnston a “model Celt” and predicting that he could become a club legend if he maintains his current trajectory.
For Johnston, the support from fans has been a motivating factor throughout his time at Celtic. The defender often speaks about the unique connection he feels with the club’s supporters, who have embraced him as one of their own.
The Bigger Picture
Johnston’s extension is a significant moment for Celtic as they look to build on their recent successes. By securing one of their most important players for the long term, the club has demonstrated its commitment to both stability and excellence. For Johnston, the new deal represents not just a professional milestone but also a personal affirmation of his place at Celtic.
As the Canadian continues to make his mark at Parkhead, his journey serves as an example of what can be achieved through hard work, loyalty, and a deep connection to the club and its culture. With five more years ahead, Johnston’s story at Celtic is far from over—and if his ambitions are any indication, the best may be yet to come.
Amina Umar
Sport Nation 2
Sport nation