Celtic are preparing to open contract talks with defender Alistair Johnston to tie him down to a new deal and make him one of the club’s highest earners.
Johnston has been one of the team’s top performers in the first four league matches of the season, ranking highly amongst right-backs in the Scottish Premiership regarding percentage of tackles won, duel success rate, touches in the opposition box and creating chances.
His combative, all-action displays up and down the right flank have made him one of the most important cogs in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic machine.
Now, the club are ready to reward the player despite the fact he has three years left on his current contract.
Alistair Johnston set for Celtic salary parity
The Daily Record reports that, with Johnston still on the original terms of his move from CF Montreal, Rodgers is keen to bring him in line with other stars in the first-team, reflecting his importance.
The Canadian is now set to become one of the club’s top earners if he agrees to the new deal, following a trend of Celtic getting their big stars on long-term contracts of late.
Agreeing terms hopefully won’t be a problem with Johnston recently telling Canadian media just how much he has loved his time at Celtic so far.
Celtic could have Johnston at the club for his peak years
The defender turns 26 next month so this contract could well see Celtic secure Johnston for the peak years of his career and quell any growing talk of a transfer exit.
Having a core, experienced group at the club alongside younger talents who may be sold on for great profit is the correct strategy to pursue.
Johnston can be part of that steady clutch of players to maintain standards and push the club on even with player upheaval in other positions.
Finding dependable, quality right-backs can be difficult but Celtic have found a winner in Johnston and it’s the correct thing to ensure he is settled, happy and rewarded to stay in Glasgow.
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