Scot Prem latest: Celtic close in on triple deal as Johnstone loan agreed

Celtic are on the brink of completing a triple transfer involving a season-long loan for England under-21 goalkeeper Joe Johnstone, as the club accelerates its squad overhaul ahead of the new season. The Premiership champions are finalising terms with a Championship club for the 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, where he made 34 appearances in League One. The deal would see Johnstone join Celtic for a year with a mandatory option to buy, as the club looks to add depth and competition to their goalkeeper ranks behind first-choice Joe Hart.

Why this triple deal matters now

This move is part of a broader strategy by Celtic to refresh their squad after a transitional summer, with the club targeting young talent with resale value while maintaining competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions. Johnstone’s arrival would address a long-standing need for a reliable backup to Hart, whose contract runs until 2026 but whose long-term future at the club has been a recurring topic of discussion. The loan agreement reflects Celtic’s preference for short-term solutions with built-in flexibility, allowing them to assess players before committing long-term—an approach that has defined their recent recruitment under Brendan Rodgers.

The triple deal—confirmed to involve two other players, with one expected to be a midfielder and the other a defender—aligns with Celtic’s pattern of completing multiple transfers in quick succession. The club has previously used loan-to-buy structures to balance ambition with financial prudence, a model that has served them well in recent years, most notably with the permanent signings of Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada following their initial loans. With the Premiership season approaching and Champions League qualifiers looming, every signing carries added significance, as Celtic aim to defend their title while pushing for progress in Europe.

What comes next for Celtic and Johnstone

If the loan is finalised, Johnstone will undergo medicals and complete administrative checks before joining Celtic’s squad for pre-season training. His integration will be closely monitored, particularly given the competitive environment at Celtic Park, where Hart’s experience and leadership remain central to the team’s defensive structure. The loan deal includes performance-related clauses tied to appearances and clean sheets, which could trigger a permanent move if Johnstone meets specific targets during his time in Glasgow—details that mirror the club’s approach with previous loan signings.

For Celtic, the completion of this triple deal would mark another step in their rebuilding phase, following the departures of several first-team players this summer, including Carl Starfelt and Anthony Ralston. The club’s recruitment team has focused on securing young, high-potential players who can develop under Rodgers, who has emphasised the importance of squad depth in navigating a congested fixture calendar. The loan of Johnstone is a calculated gamble—one that could pay off if he proves himself as a viable long-term option, particularly given the physical demands of the Premiership and European football.

The tactical implications

From a tactical standpoint, Johnstone’s arrival does not immediately alter Celtic’s defensive setup, given Hart’s established role as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, the presence of a younger, hungry competitor could push Hart to maintain his high standards while giving Rodgers the flexibility to rotate or rest his number one when needed—an option that proved useful last season when Hart missed three league games through injury. The loan deal also reflects Celtic’s willingness to gamble on unproven talent, a strategy that has yielded mixed results in the past but remains a cornerstone of their transfer policy, as seen with the development of players like Yosuke Ideguchi.

The broader context is Celtic’s need to balance ambition with financial sustainability. By securing Johnstone on loan, they avoid the upfront cost of a permanent transfer while still addressing an area of weakness. The club’s recruitment team has prioritised players who can contribute immediately or develop quickly, a philosophy that has defined their approach under Rodgers. If the triple deal is completed, it will be another example of Celtic’s shrewd transfer business, one that could shape their season ahead—especially if Hart’s future beyond 2026 becomes a pressing issue.

Celtic’s transfer activity is far from over, with several other positions still under review, including the search for a new centre-back following the departure of Starfelt. The club’s focus remains on strengthening the squad without compromising their financial stability, a delicate balance that Rodgers and his backroom staff are keen to maintain. For now, the imminent arrival of Joe Johnstone is a small but significant step in Celtic’s journey toward the new season.