Crystal Palace have taken a decisive step in the January transfer market by agreeing a substantial fee with Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Welsh forward Brennan Johnson. The deal, worth £35 million, would represent a new club-record transfer for the South London side, surpassing the £27 million paid for Christian Benteke in 2016.
Palace's Push for Attacking Reinforcements
The move comes as Palace seek to bolster their attacking options during a demanding season. The club's involvement in the Europa Conference League has led to a congested fixture list, with 30 games played already this term. The situation has been exacerbated by the absence of winger Ismaïla Sarr, who is currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Identifying Johnson as their primary target, Palace officials opened negotiations with Tottenham several weeks ago. The 24-year-old Wales international, who joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest for £47.5 million in September 2023, has found opportunities limited this season under manager Thomas Frank.
Competition from the South Coast and a Player's Dilemma
Despite the agreed fee between the clubs, the transfer is not yet complete. Bournemouth are now expected to match Palace's £35m offer as they hunt for a replacement for Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana forward is poised for a big-money £65 million switch to Manchester City, leaving a vacancy in the Cherries' attack.
It is understood that Johnson himself has not yet made a final decision on his future. He is set to weigh up his options in the coming days, with the promise of more regular first-team football likely a key factor. Other clubs, including Aston Villa, Brentford, and Everton, have been linked but are yet to make a formal approach.
Johnson's Spurs Situation and Potential Replacements
Johnson's game time at Tottenham has been sparse this campaign; he has made only six Premier League starts under Thomas Frank. This is in stark contrast to his status last season as the club's top scorer, a campaign he capped by scoring the winner in the Europa League final to secure Spurs' first major trophy since 2008.
Frank, however, has publicly insisted Johnson remains a valuable part of his squad, stating after Sunday's win over Palace: "Brennan is very important for us. Maybe he didn’t get many minutes, but unfortunately, we can only play 11 players." Should the forward depart, Tottenham are anticipated to enter the market for a replacement, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, and Juventus's Kenan Yildiz all named as potential targets.
The coming days are now crucial as the race for Brennan Johnson's signature reaches a critical phase, with his career at a potential crossroads.
