In a major move ahead of the January transfer window, Crystal Palace have agreed a club-record £35 million fee with Tottenham Hotspur for winger Brennan Johnson. The deal, which has been in the works for several weeks, marks a significant statement of intent from Oliver Glasner’s side as they look to bolster their attacking options for a demanding second half of the season that includes a deep run in the Conference League.
Johnson has found himself on the fringes of the Tottenham squad this season under manager Thomas Frank. Despite scoring the winning goal in last season’s Europa League final to end Spurs’ long trophy drought, the 24-year-old Welsh international has started only six Premier League games this term. The arrival of Mohammed Kudus and the tactical shifts employed by Frank have limited Johnson’s opportunities, making a move across London an attractive prospect for a player seeking regular first-team football.
However, the transfer is not yet a done deal. While the clubs have reached an agreement in principle, Johnson is reportedly weighing up his options, with Bournemouth also showing strong interest. The Cherries are searching for a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is nearing a blockbuster move to Manchester City. Palace are hoping the lure of European football and the chance to become the focal point of their attack will be enough to convince Johnson to sign before the window officially opens.
If the move is finalized, it will surpass the fee Palace paid for Christian Benteke in 2016, setting a new benchmark for the South London club. For Tottenham, the sale represents one of the largest in their history and will provide Thomas Frank with the funds to pursue his own targets, including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.