Celtic winger Mikey Johnston in demand with exit due; Ange Postecoglou addresses situation

By John McGinley

July 29, 2022

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston is attracting strong transfer interest this summer as Ange Postecoglou works with the player to facilitate a loan exit before the end of the summer window.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports today that clubs in England, Belgium and the Netherlands are all monitoring his situation, with Standard Liege named as a potential destination.

The Celtic manager openly spoke about a potential exit for the attacker this afternoon, telling a press conference that a change of scenery could be beneficial for his career.

Postecoglou said [Celtic FC]: “We are working with Mikey on that. I think with him there is definitely a talented footballer there, but sometimes you just need a different environment to help that happen. I just think for him and his career, some time away playing in a different environment, enjoying his football and bringing out all the potential we know he has might suit him.

“He has been unlucky with injuries, but the good thing is during this pre-season he has been great. He has not missed a session, and he has done everything. Part of my responsibility is to develop younger players or ones that have yet to establish themselves and the decision as to whether they get enough game time here or it is better to look elsewhere.

“We are working hard with him to try and see if we can facilitate something like that happening.”

Johnston has had a frustrating few years at the Bhoys, and now 23-years-old, it’s time to find out whether he can produce constant attacking output – whether it’s at Celtic or elsewhere.

I’m sure clubs in Scotland will also closely monitor his situation if Johnston feels like playing in the Scottish Premiership is the best thing for his progress.

Either way, it sounds like Postecoglou is well on top of it all. Johnston could be one of several exits before the end of the transfer window, with speculation still surrounding Christopher Jullien and Albian Ajeti.

That may even allow the Bhoys to make another signing or two, with Postecoglou also not ruling that out earlier today.

In other news, Aberdeen manager targets Celtic crowd frustration as he talks up Sunday visit.