Exclusive: Celtic Willing to Sanction Anthony Ralston Transfer Amid Julian Araujo Transfer Latest

Celtic FC are prepared to allow Anthony Ralston, their 27-year-old Scottish right-back, to depart the club amid incoming transfers that signal the end of his first-team prominence at Parkhead.[1][2]

Ralston, a boyhood Celtic fan who joined the academy in 2008 and debuted in 2016 against St Johnstone, has been a squad regular since signing a long-term deal until 2025. He reached 100 appearances in February 2024 and contributed to the 2023/24 double-winning season, even scoring memorable goals like his first in a 5-0 League Cup win over Kilmarnock. Internationally, the 6'0" defender from Bellshill boasts 24 caps for Scotland, with one goal.[3][2]

However, recent scrutiny over his form has intensified. In the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season, Ralston has started 6 matches, logging 396 minutes with 0 goals, 0 assists, and a 7.30 average FotMob rating. His stats show strengths in touches (100th percentile among full-backs), aerial duels won (77th), but lower rankings in goals (57th) and chances created (69th).[4]

The catalyst for change is Celtic's pursuit of reinforcements at right-back. The club has reportedly "won the race" for versatile Canadian international Niko Sigur from Hajduk Split, whose imminent arrival—primarily as a right-back—puts Ralston's future in jeopardy. This follows the transfer latest on Julian Araujo, making both early signings right-backs and signaling a long-term replacement strategy.[1]

With Scotland's World Cup looming this summer, Ralston risks losing his place in Steve Clarke's squad without regular minutes. Sources indicate he is "surely finished" at Celtic, prompting expectations of a push for an exit—potentially a loan—to secure game time. Celtic's market value for him stands at €1.50m per Transfermarkt, and the club could listen to offers as his tenure nears its end after 17 Premiership appearances this season.[1][2]

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