Could we witness a pair of intra-Premier League transfers very early in the January window? Crystal Palace and Manchester City are certainly hopeful.
Spurs attacker Brennan Johnson and Bournemouth wide man Antoine Semenyo are being tipped for high-value moves on Tuesday that could disrupt the forward lines of three European contenders and leave a fourth top-flight club with a major void.
Here’s the latest on the potential deals, which may ultimately hinge on the players rather than the clubs.
Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City:
The rich could be getting even stronger, with Sky Sports reporting that Manchester City are close to completing a move to activate Antoine Semenyo’s $88 million release clause at Bournemouth. The report adds there is no urgency to conclude the deal, with the clause not becoming active until January 1 and “no other club expected to intervene at this late stage.”
Semenyo, who turns 26 on January 7, is said to want his future resolved early in the January window if he is to move mid-season, and City have laid the groundwork for his arrival by striking an agreement with the Cherries.
The Ghanaian has registered nine goals and three assists across 1,529 minutes this term and would provide versatile depth for City across multiple roles. He would also immediately step into his first title and Champions League battles. The Chelsea-born winger is enjoying a standout campaign after netting eight Premier League goals in 2023-24 and 11 last season.
An early deal would also benefit Bournemouth, giving them time to source one or more replacements. They have slipped to 15th in the table with 22 points, nine clear of the relegation zone and just five behind eighth.
Interestingly, Bournemouth had reportedly identified Johnson as a target, while Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu — another Ghanaian — has also featured in transfer talk after returning from an ACL injury to score four goals and provide seven assists for the Foxes in the Championship this season.
Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace:
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed a $48 million fee to offload out-of-favour winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, according to several reports, and are now waiting on the player’s decision.
Spurs head coach Thomas Frank declined to address Johnson’s future and suggested he remains in the frame to feature this week against Brentford.
“He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace,” Frank said. “He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford.”
Johnson, 24, would switch London clubs and move from a Champions League chase to a Conference League battle. Palace lifted the FA Cup last season, while Johnson played a key role in Spurs’ Europa League success.
His Spurs contract runs until the 2027-28 season, but Johnson has logged just 907 minutes under Frank across 21 appearances in all competitions. He has scored four goals — a surprising return given he racked up 18 goals and seven assists last season, including the decisive strike in the UEL final win over Manchester United.
It’s a curious situation for Spurs, truth be told, but perhaps it’s a “rock and a hard place” scenario if Frank is unwilling to rely on Johnson and the player is not looking to force an exit. Spurs could certainly reinvest the funds in someone better aligned with Frank’s vision… assuming they plan to stick with the manager.