Crystal Palace have taken a decisive step in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements, with reports confirming the club has agreed a fee in the region of £35million with Tottenham Hotspur for winger Brennan Johnson.
According to The Guardian, the Eagles have struck a deal with their London rivals following intense negotiations. The move now hinges on the player’s personal decision, with Bournemouth and Everton also monitoring the situation closely.
The 24-year-old, who etched his name into Spurs folklore last season by scoring the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United, has found himself marginalised during the current campaign. Following the summer appointment of Thomas Frank and the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, Johnson has been restricted to just six Premier League starts.
Glasner’s desperate plea answered
The agreement comes as a massive boost for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks. The Austrian coach has publicly bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge, hinting heavily that the board needed to back him after the sale of Eberechi Eze in August.
Securing a player of Johnson’s calibre—Spurs’ top scorer last season with 18 goals—would be a significant statement of intent. At £35m, the deal would represent a club-record investment for the South Londoners, highlighting their determination to pull away from mid-table mediocrity and push for a European spot.
The Thomas Frank Era claims a victim
For Tottenham, the sale represents a ruthless business decision under the new regime. While Johnson was a key figure under Ange Postecoglou, his profile does not appear to fit Thomas Frank’s specific tactical demands. With the club looking to balance the books after heavy summer spending, cashing in on a depreciating asset makes financial sense.
However, the decision to sell a recent fan favourite—especially one who delivered the club’s first silverware in 17 years—is likely to divide opinion among the Spurs faithful. Critics will argue that letting a proven goalscorer join a London rival is a gamble, particularly given Tottenham's own inconsistent form this term.
A Career Crossroads
The ball is now firmly in Johnson’s court. A move to Selhurst Park offers the guarantee of regular first-team football and the chance to be the main man in an attack crying out for pace and directness. However, with Bournemouth also presenting a project and other suitors circling, the Welshman is reportedly taking time to weigh up his options before giving the green light.
What Happens Next?
Crystal Palace are eager to wrap up the deal swiftly to avoid a bidding war. Johnson is expected to make his decision in the next 48 hours. If he says yes, he could be in the stands for Palace’s New Year’s Day fixture, ready to usher in a new era at Selhurst Park.