West Brom are now facing competition from the Premier League and Portugal for Max Johnston with Sporting Lisbon joining Burnley and Fulham in the race for the Motherwell youngster.
With another season of Championship football now confirmed – Carlos Corberan’s Baggies finished ninth following a hectic final day – focus now will turn to creating a side capable of going a few steps further in 2023/24.
And, with two goals and six assists in all competitions from right-back this season, teenager Johnston would be well received by the West Brom supporters hoping for a more attack-minded option on the flank.
“He’s been brilliant,” former Scotland and Rangers winger Neil McCann tells the BBC. “I’ve been really impressed with him since he’s come in.
“The one thing you’re always judged on in a wide area is your delivery. And I think he’s got fantastic delivery.”
Is Max Johnston heading to the Premier League or the Championship?
Johnston’s contract expires this summer.
The Daily Record report that Portuguese giants and Europa League quarter-finalists Sporting Lisbon have sent scouts to watch the Middlesbrough-born 19-year-old this term. They will now look to open talks.
Sporting face competition from Burnley, Fulham and, according to the Scottish Sun, West Brom. Of course, the Baggies’ may be viewed as outsiders for Johnston’s signature. They cannot offer Premier League or European football, after all. But the prospect of regular first-team action at the Hawthorns is something that is unlikely to be matched at Turf Moor, Craven Cottage or the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
At Burnley, Johnston would face a battle trying to oust Conor Roberts or Vitinho. At Fulham, meanwhile, Kenny Tete has been one of this season’s most impressive right-backs.
“There has been a (contract) offer made to the player,” Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell explains.
“I understand that he might want to take time over that. But the simple message to Max was that we need him to go and keep performing how he has been of late, and show how good a player he is.
“Sometimes everything else going on in the background can be a bit of a distraction. But he gets full marks from me with how he has handled himself in this situation.
“I can assure people that we would love to have him here next season. We are working really hard on it.”
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