Mikey Johnston’s Celtic future has been uncertain this summer after the winger returned from a productive spell at West Bromwich Albion last term.
The Republic of Ireland international registered seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances as the Baggies reached the Sky Bet Championship playoffs.
Since making his way back to Celtic, Johnston has featured once off the bench this season against Hibernian before being substituted off due to a facial injury.
Brendan Rodgers admitted earlier this month that he could offload the winger before the transfer deadline, stating: “I think he’s at the stage, Mikey, where he’ll probably want to play more. But he’s worked hard over pre-season and put himself in a really good position.
“There are some clubs that have shown interest in him, but we’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks.”
With just over a week of the window left, Anthony Joseph has shed some light on Johnston’s potential exit path.
Sheffield United open talks to sign Mikey Johnston
Taking to his official X account, Joseph has revealed that talks have opened between Celtic and Sheffield United over a ‘potential deal’ that could see the Lennoxtown product switch to Bramall Lane.
He stated: “Sheffield United are in talks with Celtic over a potential deal for winger Mikey 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. #CelticFC #SUFC.”
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.
Mikey Johnston could be close to ending Celtic tale
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.
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