“Definitely A Market For Celtic’ – Former Star Makes Transfer Claim

Erik Sviatchenko reckons Celtic should not be turning their nose up at the MLS market any time soon.

The former defender enjoyed a successful spell in Glasgow, lifting three league titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups before moving on. Now with Houston Dynamo, he has a close view of how the league in the United States is developing.

There is more money in MLS than ever before. That usually means the top-end talent is hoovered up quickly, often by clubs operating in wealthier European leagues. Even so, Sviatchenko believes there is still value there if clubs are prepared to look properly.

Celtic’s recent history with that market is limited. The brief and chaotic Wilfried Nancy episode is hardly a ringing endorsement, and it would be no surprise if the club kept its distance for now on the managerial front.

Sviatchenko sees it differently when it comes to players. He said (RecordSport):

“The MLS is such a good market. The prices are sometimes a bit lower for some reason.

“It hasn’t been to the same level as all the other leagues around. In that aspect, I think you can find really, really good players here. Definitely, there’s a market for Celtic.”

It is not a theory without evidence. Alistair Johnston arrived from CF Montreal and made an immediate impact, slotting into the side and quickly becoming a reliable presence at right-back.

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston — 2nd November 2025; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premier Sports Cup semi final, Rangers versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic

Johnston has been out for the last six months, but there has been encouragement around his recovery. There is a chance he plays a part before the end of the campaign, which would be a timely boost.

Recruitment-wise, Celtic have shown before that they are willing to back a market if they trust it. Ange Postecoglou wasted no time tapping into Japan when he arrived, bringing in players who understood his system and could raise the level. That approach didn’t end up too badly.

The MLS might not be the first place Celtic look right now, but Sviatchenko’s point stands. There are players there who could step into this side and handle it.

Finding another Johnston would do just fine.