Mikey Johnston speaks after permanent Celtic exit is confirmed, fee and details

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Winger Mikey Johnston has left Celtic permanently after years on the fringes of the first-team squad at the Bhoys.

Johnston made 93 appearances in total for his boyhood side but never really cemented a regular starting spot in Glasgow.

The club pursued a couple of development loans over the years to help the attacker build his career after a string of injury issues but it had become apparent over the last 12 months he didn’t have a future at Celtic.

He’s now ‘buzzing’ to be making the move back to West Bromwich Albion in the English Championship, where he made a strong impact on loan in the second half of last season, scoring seven goals.

How much Celtic received for Mikey Johnston

Reports indicate that the Baggies have spent as much as £3m on the 25-year-old, a solid return for a player who wasn’t in manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

Speaking to the official West Brom website, Johnston said after signing a four-year contract: “I’m really happy to be here. Driving down the M6 last night I couldn’t stop smiling and I’m buzzing to be here.

“From day one here I got off to a really good start, the fans took to me, and I took to them right away. I felt the love the full time I was here last year and I’m just buzzing to be back.”

Multiple teams chased Johnston transfer

The club’s sporting director Andrew Nestor added: “Mikey was in great demand, so we are delighted that he viewed returning permanently to the Albion as the right destination for the next stage in his career. 

“We all saw from the way he performed and carried himself here last season that he is the type of player that we want at this football club. Mikey’s arrival compliments our squad and the other transfers we have made this summer.

“A lot of credit goes to the club’s football operations and recruitment for bringing Mikey here on loan last season. I’m so pleased we have been able to get this deal over the line and bring him back to The Hawthorns.”

Celtic also reportedly agreed terms with Sheffield United, but Johnston was allowed to pick his own destiny in England as he looks to find the goalscoring form that brought so much attention to him early in the year.

Good luck Mikey!