Report: Southampton Target Rising Star from European League for £3m Deal | OneFootball

Max Johnston: Scotland Starlet Draws Premier League Attention

Rising Profile in Austria

Max Johnston’s career is accelerating with the kind of upward curve that catches the eye of scouts and decision-makers across Europe. At 21, the Scotland international is thriving at Sturm Graz, not just performing well but excelling—both in the Austrian Bundesliga and on the continental stage in the Champions League.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton are one of several clubs keeping tabs on the right-back, with interest also coming from the Premier League, Championship, and major European outfits such as Atalanta, Augsburg, and Hamburg. His form, described as “impressive” by Sky’s Anthony Joseph, has made him a hot commodity.

It’s understood that Sturm Graz value Johnston at around £3 million—an enticing figure for clubs shopping shrewdly.

Photo: IMAGO

From Motherwell to Mainland Europe

Johnston’s move from Motherwell to Austria last July didn’t just represent a switch of leagues; it marked a leap of faith. That faith has been rewarded. Since arriving in Graz, Johnston has been integral to a side on the brink of winning its second successive league title.

With one goal and six assists this season, Johnston has shown he’s more than a defensive asset. His ability to contribute going forward, combined with his stamina and positional intelligence, explains why clubs are circling.

His senior Scotland debut in March only adds to his growing appeal. As one scout told Sky Sports anonymously, “Johnston has everything you’d want in a modern full-back—energy, delivery, and a real engine. He’s still raw, but the potential is enormous.”

Southampton’s interest is intriguing. Having been relegated back to the Championship is Johnston the right type of player to aid their ambitions of getting promoted once more.

Smart Buy for the Right Project

What’s striking about Johnston’s current situation is not just who’s watching, but why. At £3 million, he represents an archetypal modern football investment—low cost, high ceiling, and a profile that fits tactical systems from England to Germany and beyond.

For Johnston, the next move is crucial. Another season in Austria wouldn’t necessarily be a step back, especially with Champions League football on offer. But the pull of England, and the pathway it offers both to international prominence and career acceleration, is hard to ignore.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Southampton supporter’s viewpoint, this potential move ticks all the right boxes. Max Johnston fits the club’s long-standing tradition of nurturing young, exciting talent and turning them into potential Premier League-calibre players. At just £3 million, this feels like a low-risk, high-reward investment—exactly the kind of transfer the Saints hierarchy has built its reputation on.

With Kyle Walker-Peters often asked to cover multiple roles and the depth at full-back limited, Johnston could offer an immediate boost while being moulded for a bigger role. His Champions League exposure and international breakthrough with Scotland suggest a player who is already used to pressure environments—vital for a club with promotion ambitions.

There’s every chance Johnston could follow the same developmental path as Tino Livramento—only this time, with Saints hopefully reaping the long-term benefits.