Johnston, 20, joined Sturm Graz last summer on a four-year deal. In his debut season, he made 20 league appearances as a right back, providing one assist and making a positive impression.
The Scottish U21 international from Middlesbrough has attracted interest from several second-tier clubs this season, but Sturm Graz is reluctant to part with him.
Sturm Graz’s sporting director, Andreas Schicker, addressed the interest, stating (via the Daily Record):
“We want to keep Max and don’t intend to let him go. We’ve identified three players who can leave the club—Szymon Wlodarczyk, Manprit Sarkaria, and Amadou Dante—but Max is not among them.”
Johnston could probably do with having a sustained spell at one club as well and moving so soon after relocating abroad may not be the best move for his development.
However, the 20-year-old definitely has bags of potential behind him and one day it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the move to England and play at a good level.
Early signs
So far the Championship season has brought a few shocks and there will be plenty more to come over the course of the campaign.
Stoke City, under Steven Schumacher, seemed to have turned a corner with a win against Coventry City on the opening day but were decisively beaten by Watford last Saturday.
Oxford United had a promising start to their second-tier campaign, winning against Norwich City but suffering a late defeat to Coventry City on Friday.
It will be intriguing to see if any of these clubs can attract Johnston to the Championship this summer. However, the primary challenge might be making an acceptable bid to Sturm Graz, who are reluctant to part with their new prospect so soon.
With the transfer window closing next Friday, clubs still have one more fixture to manage. Swansea City is preparing for a derby against Cardiff City, Stoke City is set for a home game against West Brom, and Oxford United aims to secure another result away at Blackburn Rovers.
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