Celtic have seen a number of players leave the club this summer and the revolving exit door is not expected to stop anytime soon. There are still a number of players who are not a major part of Brendan Rodgers' plans. Instead of sitting on the bench at Parkhead, it would make more sense for some of them to depart in search of first-team football elsewhere.
One of the most interesting players at Celtic right now is Mikey Johnston. He was brilliant while on loan at West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last season.
But Johnston is only viewed as a squad option at Celtic. At this stage of his career, he needs to be playing regular football though. So, an exit makes sense for all parties and it looks like a move back to the English Championship is not far away.
Celtic’s Winger on the Move?
Johnston’s time at Celtic has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He was once considered one of the brightest talents at Celtic while coming through the developmental ranks. He made a bright start to life at the senior level as well and was being considered a potential 20-goal-a-season winger early on his career.
Johnston’s career was derailed due to a series of injuries. And he has never really shown that early spark in recent years. Johnston could do with a change of scenery. Celtic have plenty of options on the wings and the likes of Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma are only expected to get better moving forward. So, a move away would suit both parties and a switch to Burnley seemed very close.
However, as it turns out, the Blades have emerged as a potential suitor. As tweeted by Anthony Joseph, Sheffield United are now in talks with Celtic over a potential deal for Johnston. The Hoops are open to offers for the Ireland international, who had a successful loan spell at West Brom in the second half of last season.
A Potential Swap Deal?
Intriguingly, this comes off the back of reports earlier today detailing that Celtic are interested in Blades defender Auston Trusty. Johnston was mentioned as a potential makeweight in any deal, via The Sun, so there could be a scenario where both clubs essentially scratch each other’s back to add to their respective squads.
Should that not prove to be the case, with Joseph providing no mention of Trusty and Johnston in the same bracket, they may well be put through as separate transactions should negotiations progress. 67 Hail Hail keep an eye on future developments.
Time for a Fresh Start?
Most Celtic fans will be the first to tell you how talented Johnston can be on his day. When he came through the ranks, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his potential. Unfortunately, injuries and an inability to sustain a place in the starting line-up over the years look to have ended his chances of extending his stay in Glasgow. Nevertheless, if this is to be the end game, the 25-year-old has played nearly 100 games for his boyhood club and had a part in helping them claim a barrel load of trophies. That isn’t a bad way to go out, all things considered.
Ultimately, he needs a platform to show his talent every week; he isn’t getting that here. Sheffield United could provide him with that chance, and if he does depart, the Celtic support will wish him the very best.
Will Johnston Make the Move?
It remains to be seen whether Johnston will make the move to Sheffield United. But with the transfer window closing on Friday, August 30, a decision will need to be made soon. If he does make the move, it will be interesting to see how he performs in a new environment. He has the potential to be a real success at Bramall Lane, but he needs to find some consistency. It will be a tough call for Johnston but the right decision for his career.
