Southampton FC enter race to sign £3m-rated star – He was previously wanted by QPR and Stoke City.
Southampton are interested in signing Max Johnston, a right-back from Sturm Graz, to strengthen their squad after relegation to the Championship.
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Saints are interested in the fullback, valued at around £3 million by Sturm Graz.
Johnston, who was born in Middlesbrough, has represented Scotland since the under-16 level. He made his senior international debut in March of this year, coming on as a late substitute for Billy Gilmour against Greece.
Since joining Sturm Graz from Motherwell in 2023, the 21-year-old has made 20 Bundesliga appearances and helped the team win their first league title since 2011, as well as the ÖFB-Cup.
With the club on track to win their second title in a row, Johnston has five assists and one goal in 22 league appearances, including five in the Champions League.
Max Johnston’s 2024/25 statistics are correct as of 16/05/25 (Transfermarkt).
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 22 | 1 | 5 |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | – | – |
| ÖFB-Cup | 2 | – | 1 |
Southampton target Max Johnston attracting interest across the continent
2023/24 Europa League Winners Atalanta has also expressed interest in Johnston.
After his debut season in Austria, Sturm Graz reportedly turned down offers from French club Stade de Reims, as well as Championship clubs QPR and Stoke City. Graz believed that the offer of Champions League football was the best opportunity for him to develop.
The Austrian champions currently value the right-back at around £3 million, with the summer of 2025 approaching.
Southampton aiming for immediate bounce-back
After a disappointing 2024/25 Premier League season, Southampton are looking to regroup over the summer months in preparation for another promotion push next season, following their play-off success a year ago.
Southampton could also lose current right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who has been linked with Leeds, West Ham, Tottenham and Everton. According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, several clubs are interested in signing the 27-year-old, but no decision has been made.
Bailey stated, “I’ve been told that no decision has been made yet. Leeds has made contact with him, but as we all know, they are just one of many clubs that have reached out. There are numerous clubs, including West Ham, Tottenham, and Everton. “Some foreign clubs are also lurking.”
Walker-Peters has made 33 Premier League appearances this season, recording two assists in a difficult campaign for the Saints.
As Southampton prepares for another promotion push, Johnston has emerged as a top target to bolster the squad, especially if Walker-Peters leaves in the coming months.
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