Fulham are rivalling Everton in the race to sign Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, sources have told Football Insider. Johnston's future has been up in the air over the last few weeks after he impressed at the World Cup during Canada's run to the last 16. The Hoops' right-back struggled with injury concerns throughout last season, but has proved his worth as one of the best defenders in the Premiership since joining the club in 2022. Widespread reports have claimed that Everton are preparing to make a bid for his services and he is open to a Premier League switch. As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Fulham are also eyeing his signature and are planning to rival the Toffees' interest in the coming weeks. The 27-year-old may well have to pick his next move between either club if they both firm up their interest with concrete approaches to Celtic soon.
What's at stake for Fulham?
Johnston was only fit enough to feature 11 times throughout the 2025-26 season, but did register 16 goal contributions in 49 appearances in the previous campaign. His impressive showings for the Hoops, as well as on the international stage, have made him a target for numerous Premier League clubs this summer. Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Everton have been looking at a new right back, and Alistair Johnston is somebody who has been a consistent performer for Celtic. He obviously missed a big chunk of last season but came back towards the end of the season to help them win the title and Scottish Cup. He had a good World Cup with Canada as well. It doesn't surprise me that Premier League clubs are looking at him. My understanding is that Fulham are also interested in Johnston. I think that they could rival Everton for the right-back's signature as well."
What's next for Fulham?
David Moyes has identified right-back as a priority position for Everton to bolster this summer after Seamus Coleman's departure. He had to trust centre-back Jake O'Brien to feature there throughout last term, and back-up Nathan Patterson could leave the club soon amid interest in his services. Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Everton could accelerate a move for Djed Spence soon, with Roberto De Zerbi admitting that he will not stand in the way of him leaving. Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Man City starlet Rico Lewis are two other targets who reportedly remain on their radar.
Fulham are currently 11th in the Premier League, 33 points behind leaders Arsenal, with 47 goals scored and 51 conceded (-4 goal difference) this season. They are on a 2-game winning run, with their last result being a 2-0 win over Newcastle on May 24th. Their recent form has been 2W-2D-1L (WWDDL, most recent first).
