Napoli Join Race for Rising Scotland Star Max Johnston – Exclusive Interview
Max Johnston’s stock is rising fast. After a stellar campaign with Austrian side Sturm Graz, the 22-year-old full-back is now on the radar of clubs across Europe, including Serie A champions Napoli, Bundesliga contenders, and several Ligue 1 sides.
The Scottish Football Writers’ 2023 Young Player of the Year turned heads with his performances, earning his first senior international caps for Scotland and helping Sturm Graz dethrone Red Bull Salzburg with two consecutive titles.
From Motherwell to Austria – Betting on Himself
Despite domestic interest from Celtic and Rangers, Johnston took a bold step at 19 by joining Sturm Graz for just €350k. It paid off.
“I aim to reach the highest level possible,” Johnston told Transfermarkt in an exclusive interview.
“Sturm wanted to develop me. I think I’ve done well, especially in the Champions League. It’s time for the next step.”
His market value has tripled to €3.5m, and clubs such as Augsburg, Union Berlin, Mainz, Lens, Toulouse, and Reims are circling. But the biggest name of all might be Napoli.
Napoli Interested – Serie A Beckons?
Sources close to Transfermarkt confirm Napoli are monitoring Johnston. With club captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo turning 31, the club sees Johnston as both a backup and future first-team contender.
“When I decided to move abroad, I looked at players like Aaron Hickey,” Johnston said.
“He was successful at Bologna and showed that Scottish players can thrive in Italy.”
Champions League Experience & Facing Jamie Gittens
Johnston’s exposure to Europe’s elite came early, featuring four times in the Champions League last season — including a high-profile clash with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea-linked talent Jamie Gittens.
“Playing at Dortmund in front of the Yellow Wall was surreal,” he said.
“Gittens is probably the most technically gifted opponent I’ve faced. But I love that kind of challenge.”
Fighting for Scotland’s Right-Back Spot
Having debuted for Scotland against Greece, Johnston is now part of a fierce battle for the national team’s right-back position, competing with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson.
“Competition is good. It pushes you,” Johnston said.
“Starting at Hampden in front of my family was a dream come true.”
Giving Back: Advice for Lennon Miller & Remembering Motherwell
Johnston came through Motherwell’s youth academy, which also produced David Turnbull, Allan Campbell, and Jake Hastie. He’s now mentoring the next generation — including standout midfielder Lennon Miller.
“I told him moving abroad was the best thing I ever did,” Johnston said.
“It forces you to grow, not just as a footballer but as a person.”
Max Johnston’s future appears destined for one of Europe’s top leagues. With Napoli now firmly in the mix, the next chapter of his fast-moving career could be written in Serie A.
