Vitoria Guimaraes will not be keeping on-loan Celtic winger Mikey Johnston beyond his loan spell at the Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit, vice president Nuno Leite tells O Jogo.
It’s testament to the remarkable strength in depth at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal that the Hoops could afford to leave Liel Abada and the sublime Jota on the substitute’s bench during Monday’s Old Firm derby draw with Rangers at Ibrox.
So, with Jota, Abada, James Forrest, Sead Haksabanovic and the in-form Daizen Maeda already competing for a starting berth at Celtic, there are understandable question marks hanging over Johnston’s future in green-and-white.
The Glasgow-born winger fell out of favour before moving to Portugal on loan over the summer. Johnston has made a serious impression at Vitoria Guimaraes. In 13 games, he has three goals and three assists already. But, with Johnston’s price-tag on the rise, a long-term stay at the Estadio Afonso Henriques is already being ruled out.
Celtic’s Mikey Johnston shining on loan at Portuguese outfit Vitoria Guimaraes
“We have to enjoy him until the end of the season,” explains Leite. “He is a great player. An extraordinary professional who helps the group. Unfortunately, Vitoria will not be able to keep him.”
Johnston rose through the ranks at Celtic. He also has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at the Scottish Premiership champions.
The Scotland U21 international is at his most effective on the left-hand side of the attack but, unfortunately for him at least, you can say the same of Jota and Haksabanovic.
The explosive, ever-improving Maeda is also producing perhaps the best football of his Celtic career; thriving after switching from the right to the left.
“Regarding Mikey, he is a player with quality,” Vitoria coach Joao Aroso explains. “(He is) strong in one-on-ones. With many years at Celtic… he’s used to strong environments.”
Celtic have already completed the signing of three mid-season arrivals; reinforcing from a position of strength as they look to retain their Premiership crown ahead of Mick Beale’s resurgent Rangers. Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi had their arrivals confirmed in December.
Japanese Player of the Year Tomoki Iwata is now also at Postecoglou’s disposal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
