Premier League giants Chelsea are considering a summer swoop for Celtic FC starlet, Michael Johnston
According to a report by Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the Blues are pondering over a summer move for the highly rated attacking midfielder. The 18-year-old currently plays for Celtic’s youth sides and has represented both their U-19 and U-20 teams this season.
In the UEFA Youth League this term, he has found the net 2 times in 7 appearances and his impressive performances in have reportedly caught the attention of Premier League sides like Chelsea, Stoke City and Championship outfit Derby County.
Johnston put in a superb shift in the Scottish Youth Cup final to help his side beat arch rivals 3-0 Rangers last month and was named Man Of The Match. First team manager Brendan Rodgers was in the stands, keeping a close eye on proceedings.
He was also called up to the Scottish National youth team setup, making his U19 debut for them in March and being capped 3 more times after that. Extremely fast and creative, Johnston’s ability on the ball is arguably his biggest asset and he has no shortage of confidence in himself.
Capable of playing on either flank or through the center, Johnston gets past players with ease and perhaps his only drawback at this stage is his decision making in the final third, while in possession. Besides that, his slight frame certainly won’t make things any easier for him in the Scottish top flight.
But at only 18 years of age, Johnston has time on his side to work on himself and iron out the creaks in his game. It comes as no surprise that Chelsea have been linked with the youngster, given their penchant for recruiting the best young talent from Europe and South America.
However, if this move were to go to, it is highly unlikely that Johnston would be made a part of the first team set up. The 18-year-old would perhaps spend some time in England’s Youth Leagues or even get sent out on loan to a club where he is handed first team minutes on a regular basis.
