Celtic Ready To Cut Ties With This Defender: Should O’Neill Allow January Exit?
Story updated
The story in brief
14-second readCeltic are considering cutting ties with defender Anthony Ralston in January if a suitable offer is received, according to a report by The 4th Official. Ralston has not played a Scottish Premiership minute this season and has limited prospects of regular football with Alistair Johnston and Jordan Lotomba ahead of him.
The full picture
Celtic are considering cutting ties with defender Anthony Ralston in January if a suitable offer is received, according to a report by The 4th Official. Ralston has not played a Scottish Premiership minute this season and has limited prospects of regular football with Alistair Johnston and Jordan Lotomba ahead of him. The club's defensive issues have made other positions a priority. Ralston's contract expires next summer.
Ralston has been with Celtic since 2015 and has previously played regularly for Scotland, but the lack of club minutes has cost him his national team place. A move in January could give him a chance to revive his international ambitions. The club would also benefit from removing a surplus player and redirecting resources to more pressing needs, such as centre-back recruitment.
Celtic's recent defensive record has been poor, with 17 goals conceded in nine fixtures and their European campaign ending in qualification failure. The club's priority is centre-back recruitment, making Ralston's departure a sensible option if a suitable offer is received. Allowing him to leave would give him a chance to rebuild his career.
At a glance
- Reporting status
- Reported
- Original publisher
- The 4th Official ↗
- Source published
- Clubs covered
- Celtic
Attributed publisher reporting. Kickjolly has not independently confirmed the claim.
Source context
Celtic’s right-back options have changed considerably under Martin O’Neill, with Alistair Johnston still the first choice and summer arrival Jordan Lotomba providing cover when required. That leaves little room for Anthony Ralston, who has spent much of the 2026/27 campaign watching from the sidelines despite his long service at Parkhead. Johnston remains Celtic’s preferred option and has a contract until 2029, while Lotomba joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal running through the season. Academy product Colby Donovan offers another option and has committed his future until 2031.
Source excerpt · The 4th Official
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