The upcoming summer transfer window spells potential upheaval for Celtic, as they brace for a flurry of incoming and outgoing deals in the coming months.

While fans are eager to see new faces at Parkhead, with names like Adam Idah and Stuart Armstrong circulating in transfer talks, there’s also the prospect of existing players departing the club.

One player who might bid farewell to Paradise for good is winger Mikey Johnston, following a successful loan stint at West Bromwich Albion last season. However, Celtic must exercise caution to avoid a repeat of the Ryan Christie situation, where a player thrived elsewhere after departing for a relatively low fee.

Reports suggest that Celtic have set a price tag of around £6 million for Johnston’s potential departure, with West Brom considering bringing him back to the Hawthorns either on loan or through a permanent transfer.

As the Baggies plan to offload some of their key players to generate funds, Celtic may need to stay patient before receiving an offer for Johnston. Brendan Rodgers should be mindful of the risk of undervaluing the winger, similar to what happened with Christie, who saw his market worth soar post his departure from Celtic.

Instead of cashing in on Johnston amid Championship interest, Rodgers should focus on reinstating him into the first-team setup and harnessing his talent in the Scottish Premiership. This strategic move could not only elevate Johnston’s value but also optimize potential future transactions.

Johnston’s impressive performance in the Championship this season indicates his growth and potential, surpassing expectations with his goal-scoring prowess. By nurturing his talent within the Celtic setup, the club stands to benefit from a higher valuation down the line, avoiding a missed opportunity similar to the Christie scenario.

At 25, Johnston has shown promise as a goal-scoring threat, excelling in his position as an attacking midfielder/winger. His remarkable ability to exceed expected goals (xG) and limited support from teammates in conversion opportunities underline his potential to become a standout player in the squad.

Celtic should prioritize retaining Johnston to capitalize on his talent and amplify his market value, steering clear of undervaluation and potential regret down the line.