Birmingham City are looking to bolster their defensive department this summer and have identified a Scottish fullback currently plying his trade in Austria, according to the latest reports.
The Blues are hoping to bounce straight back to the Championship after an unprecedented relegation to League One last season. The club have already made waves in the transfer window, signing top goalscorer Alfie May from Charlton Athletic for a reported £775,000 fee, while Emil Hansson has also moved to St Andrew’s for £1.5 million.
Furthermore, the West Midlands outfit have acquired the services of Ryan Allsop from Hull City and Bailey Peacock-Farrell from Burnley following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League. With the goalkeeping department now ready, new head coach Chris Davies is keen to move onto his backline.
Former Manchester United academy graduate Ethan Laird was the club’s first-choice at right-back last season but Davies wants to add some competition for the 22-year-old. Sky Sports News have reported that Birmingham City are eyeing up a move for Sturm Graz fullback Max Johnston this summer but face stiff competition from Championship sides Oxford United and Luton Town.
Johnston, a Scotland U21 international, made 29 appearances for the Austrian side last season as the club lifted the league and cup double and, as a result, qualified for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
Furthermore, the 20-year-old boasts a market value of £850,000, as per Transfermarkt, but Sturm Gruz are only willing to allow him to leave on loan next season, although this may be preferential for some suitors.
The Austrian champions also announced over the past 24 hours that they have completed the signing of Arsenal star Mika Biereth who was a key transfer target for Sheffield Wednesday. The deal is said to be in the region of £4 million.
Writer’s View
Healthy competition is never bad. Birmingham City are throwing money at earning promotion to the Championship at the first time of asking but will need a deeper squad if they are to achieve this objective as injuries will likely hit their ranks once the season gets to a point where games are taking place every three days.
Johnston has a high ceiling and if he is good enough to play for the best team in Austria, he can certainly fight for a starting place in a team competing in England’s third tier. His potential arrival could also help elevate Laird’s game to another level.
Deputy Head of Writing
