Celtic Faces Tough Decision on Ralston’s Future Amid Defensive Woes
Celtic has seen significant changes in its right-back options since Martin O’Neill took over, with Alistair Johnston firmly holding the first-choice position and summer signing Jordan Lotomba providing necessary support. This situation has left Anthony Ralston in a challenging position, as he has spent a considerable portion of the 2026/27 season sidelined despite his long-term commitment to the club.
Johnston, who has a contract until 2029, continues to be Celtic’s preferred option in the right-back role. Meanwhile, Lotomba is on a short-term deal with Feyenoord that extends through the current season. Additionally, academy graduate Colby Donovan has secured his future at the club until 2031, making Ralston’s path to regular playing time increasingly difficult as he now finds himself behind three competitors.
Celtic’s recent defensive issues have intensified the urgency of this situation. The team has faced defeats in six of their last ten matches, conceding 17 goals across nine fixtures, leading to a disappointing end to their European campaign with a failed qualification against LASK. The struggles in central defense have prompted discussions about the need for an additional full-back in the January transfer window.
According to reports from Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are positioned to expedite Ralston’s exit come January should concrete interest surface. The 27-year-old has not featured in the Scottish Premiership this season, logging a mere 47 minutes in late European matches. With his contract set to expire next summer, the possibility for a free transfer presents a straightforward option, and both Ralston and the club seem open to an early departure.
Ralston has been part of Celtic’s first team since 2015 and has donned the national jersey for Scotland on multiple occasions. However, the lack of club appearances has impacted his international prospects, leading to his omission from the national squad under manager Sebastien Pocognoli in September. A move to another club could provide Ralston the opportunity to regain his spot in the national team by securing regular playing time.
In light of the circumstances, a winter exit could seem practical from a boardroom perspective, contingent on receiving a suitable offer. Retaining a discontented third-choice defender could offer minimal sporting benefit for Celtic, particularly with adequate coverage already in place. An early departure may also allow the club to free up salary commitments.
Additionally, allowing Ralston to leave could enable Celtic to reallocate resources to addressing their pressing needs in central defense—areas identified as needing immediate reinforcement. While Ralston’s long-standing service to the club warrants respect, a decision to facilitate his transfer would be beneficial both for the player and the club, enabling him to pursue further opportunities while assisting Celtic in addressing their squad deficiencies.
