Scotland star on top Portuguese club’s radar after impressing in Champions League and winning domestic double
ONE of Scotland's most promising talents is being tracked by a top side in Portugal after impressing abroad, it is understood.
He's struggled to get playing time under Steve Clarke, but the future could be bright as a domestic double and starring Uefa Champions League role has scouts paying attention.
Max Johnston made his Scottish National Team debut late in the first leg against Greece last month after being kept largely to the U21 side.
His first call up came back in October 2023 during a spate of injuries.
But at club level Johnston has massively impressed for Austrian side SK Sturm Graz since joining from Motherwell in 2023, which has him under the eye of Braga according to the Daily Record.
The 21-year-old is in his second season at his current team, winning a league and cup double last year and starring against huge teams like Borussia Dortmund in the UCL this campaign.
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Braga are currently fourth in the Liga Portugal, tied on points with Porto and behind Sporting and Benfica.
With more than two years left on his contract, it's believed the Austrian team would be holding out for a seven-figure fee for Johnston's services.
The right-back - son of former Rangers and Hearts player Allan Johnston - has had a meteoric rise in the last few years.
He spent time on loan at Queen of the South and Cove Rangers before breaking through at Fir Park under Stuart Kettlewell in 2023 and winning Young Player of the Year.
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Before heading overseas at the end of his 'Well contract, he was being watched by English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
The defender has made 23 appearances for Sturm Graz this season - five of which in European competition - and notched five assists.
With Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson struggling with injury and Celtic's Anthony Ralston lacking domestic minutes, Johnston will have his eye on a regular spot in the Scotland set up sooner than later.
The Tartan Army have two friendlies in the summer before important World Cup Qualifiers towards the end of the year.
Head coach Steve Clarke has also hinted he'll likely vacate his role in the next year, meaning the former Motherwell youngster will likely have a new manager to impress.
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