Celtic pave way for Alistair Johnston exit as they work on signing replacement from English club

Yukinari Sugawara is on Celtic's radar and all the signs point towards him being their long-term replacement for Alistair Johnston.

Johnston has been heavily linked with a move away from Celtic this summer after impressing at the World Cup for Canada.

The 27-year-old's fine performances for the co-hosts have seen Everton and other clubs across Europe keep tabs on his availability.

Johnston has featured in Celtic's first two Premiership games of the season, but is currently facing a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury he picked up against Kilmarnock.

While an exit may not happen this summer, it still looks like the Hoops are preparing for Johnston to leave at some point soon as they reportedly target a move for Southampton right-back Sugawara.

Sugawara has too much quality and experience to play second fiddle to Johnston, and would surely not arrive at Parkhead to be a back-up for long.

Yukinari Sugawara's stats show that he can be long-term Alistair Johnston replacement

Sources revealed to Football Insider last week that Johnston's move to Everton was back on, but his latest injury will surely curtail an exit in this window.

Celtic cannot be expected to keep him for too long even if he does not leave before 1 September, though, and Sugawara looks to have all the tools to be his long-term replacement.

The 26-year-old had more duels won per 90 than Johnston at the World Cup (6.21 to 2.8), as well as defensive contributions per 90 (9.93 to 4.6), while his country created more xG while he was on the pitch (9.87 to 0.65).

Sugawara has experience playing in several top-flight leagues, such as the Premier League, Bundesliga and Eredivisie, while the highest level that Johnston has played at is the Premiership, despite being a year older.

The Japan international registered six assists from right-back on loan at Werder Bremen last season, and was in the 92nd percentile for big chances created when compared to other PL full-backs in 2024-25.

He is very clearly a top player who would not be content to arrive at Parkhead as their second choice right-back, so it does look as if Celtic's interest in Sugawara is pointing towards an inevitable exit for Johnston soon.

Russell Martin has explained why Sugawara is a top player

Sugawara was a shining light in the Saints' relegation from the Premier League two seasons ago, hence why he earned a loan move to the Bundesliga and did not stay in the Championship.

Celtic supporters should pay close attention to former Rangers manager Martin's thoughts on the Japan star, which he relayed to the media after his arrival at St Mary's in July 2024.

He said: "Yuki was our number one target in his position. He arrives at a good age with a lot of games already under his belt at a high level, including a wealth of European experience.

"He’s a talented footballer with a great mentality, and a character we think will be really popular with his teammates. You can sense his enthusiasm and determination to do well."