Crystal Palace are edging closer to completing the signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur after a key update from David Ornstein, with the Eagles also said to be eyeing a Manchester City winger.
Johnson joined Tottenham in September 2023 after the club paid Nottingham Forest £47.5million to secure his signature. The right-sided attacker, who can also operate centrally if needed, has since recorded 27 goals and 18 assists across 106 appearances for Spurs, including the decisive strike in their Europa League final victory last season.
Despite that memorable moment, Johnson has largely found himself rotated by new head coach Thomas Frank this campaign, with just six of his 15 Premier League appearances lasting longer than 45 minutes.
It was disclosed on December 14 that Spurs had started seriously weighing up Johnson’s sale amid interest from Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Earlier on Tuesday, sources confirmed that Tottenham have approved the Welsh international’s exit and placed a £35million valuation on him.
Bournemouth had lined up Johnson as a possible successor to Antoine Semenyo, who is on the verge of completing a move to Manchester City. However, Palace now seem to have moved ahead in the race.
Ornstein reports that Palace have struck an agreement with Spurs after agreeing to meet their £35m asking price. A deal at that figure would represent Palace’s most expensive signing ever, surpassing the £27m fee paid for Christian Benteke in 2016.
Both clubs are said to be ‘keen to proceed’, although Johnson has yet to formally accept Palace’s proposal as he is aware of interest from elsewhere.
Nevertheless, Johnson’s move to Selhurst Park is expected to be finalised, with sources telling transfer insider Graeme Bailey that the forward favours a switch to Palace over Bournemouth.
Fraser Fletcher reported on December 22 that Aston Villa had also made enquiries for Johnson, but they now appear set to miss out, along with Bournemouth.
Dean Jones has been informed that Johnson initially told Spurs he wanted to remain and compete for his place, but the club’s hierarchy are open to a sale in order to generate funds.
A potential domino effect could soon unfold in the Premier League winger market, with Semenyo’s arrival at City possibly paving the way for Oscar Bobb to depart.
According to a recent Daily Briefing report, Palace have already lodged a loan bid for Bobb.
Glasner’s squad could end up securing both Johnson and Bobb to freshen up their wide options. Bailey also notes that Palace are targeting a new centre-forward, a move that may take precedence over any deal for Bobb.