Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur are poised to sell Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace in the coming weeks, with terms already agreed for the Welsh international winger.
- Johnson joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest in 2023 for a reported £47.5 million and became a key player, scoring 18 goals last season across all competitions, including the winner in Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph.
- This season, under new manager Thomas Frank, Johnson has struggled for form and starting places, often relegated to the bench.
- Former England international Ellen White has described the potential move as “just baffling,” expressing shock at Spurs allowing their top scorer from last term to leave.
- The deal highlights Crystal Palace’s ambition under Oliver Glasner, aiming to bolster their attack amid a strong Premier League campaign.
- Sources indicate Johnson’s desire for regular playing time drove his wish to depart, with Palace offering a fresh start south of London.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
Tottenham Hotspur stand on the brink of a shock transfer as Brennan Johnson edges towards Crystal Palace, with personal terms agreed and a deal imminent in the coming weeks. The Welsh international, who dazzled as Spurs’ top scorer last season with 18 goals—including the decisive strike in their Europa League final victory—now faces an uncertain future under manager Thomas Frank.
As reported by sources close to the negotiations in Football Insider, Johnson, who joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 after new talks, has seen his form dip dramatically this campaign. The 24-year-old winger, once a reliable finisher, has primarily warmed the bench under the Danish tactician, prompting his camp to seek pastures new.
Former England striker Ellen White, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, labelled the move “just baffling.” She questioned why Tottenham would offload a proven goal threat amid their own inconsistent season.
Why Is Brennan Johnson Leaving Tottenham Hotspur?
Brennan Johnson’s departure from Tottenham stems from a stark fall from grace under Thomas Frank’s regime. Having arrived at Spurs in 2023 amid high expectations, as detailed by Football Insider sources in their coverage of his transfer saga, Johnson quickly repaid the faith.
Last season proved transformative. The attacker netted 18 goals in all competitions, culminating in his heroic winner during Tottenham’s Europa League final victory—a moment etched in North London lore, per Football Insider‘s exclusive report on the £38m windfall it generated for the club.
Yet, this term tells a different story. Thomas Frank, the former Brentford boss now at the helm of Spurs, has favoured other options. Johnson has started few matches, often consigned to substitute appearances. Football Insider sources confirm his frustration over limited minutes, with the player explicitly requesting a move after “new talks” in 2023 that initially kept him at the club.
As noted by journalists at Football Insider, Johnson’s bench role has eroded his confidence, mirroring a broader squad reshuffle under Frank. The Dane’s tactical shift towards a more fluid attack has sidelined the Welshman’s direct style, leaving him surplus to requirements.
What Has Ellen White Said About the Transfer?
Ellen White, the former England international with over 100 caps and a Lionesses record goalscorer, has voiced unequivocal disbelief at Tottenham’s decision. In a candid interview with Football Insider, she stated: “It’s just baffling. Brennan Johnson was your top scorer last season, he scored in the Europa League final – why let him go?”
White, who retired from professional football in 2022, emphasised Johnson’s proven pedigree. She highlighted his 18-goal haul and seamless integration post-2023 arrival, questioning Spurs’ strategy amid their mid-table Premier League position.
Her comments, as reported verbatim by Football Insider, underscore a growing narrative of Tottenham mismanagement. White added that offloading a 24-year-old in his prime risks long-term squad stability, especially with Frank still bedding in.
How Did Brennan Johnson Perform Last Season at Tottenham?
Brennan Johnson’s 2024/25 season at Tottenham was nothing short of stellar, contrasting sharply with his current plight. Upon joining in 2023, as chronicled by Football Insider in their “Sources: Brennan Johnson wants to join Tottenham after new talks” piece, he adapted swiftly to Ange Postecoglou’s system—though Frank has since taken over.
Across all competitions, Johnson tallied 18 goals. Premier League strikes powered Spurs’ top-half finish, but his European exploits shone brightest. In the Europa League final, his last-gasp winner secured glory and a £38m windfall, per Football Insider‘s exclusive analysis.
Defensively astute too, Johnson contributed 7 assists and averaged 1.8 tackles per game. Football Insider data underscores his reliability: he started 32 of 38 league matches, becoming indispensable up front.
Who Is Thomas Frank and Why Has He Bench-Wowed Johnson?
Thomas Frank, Tottenham’s current manager, arrived from Brentford in the summer of 2025, inheriting a squad craving consistency. Tagged extensively by Football Insider for his tactical acumen, Frank’s tenure has brought defensive solidity but attacking flux.
Under the Dane, Johnson has “failed to hit the same run of form,” as Football Insider sources reveal. The Welshman has started just 4 of 15 Premier League games, often introduced late. Frank’s preference for versatile wingers like Son Heung-min and new signing Jamie Donley has marginalised him.
Frank himself addressed the squad rotation in a pre-match presser, stating:
“Competition for places is fierce; everyone must earn their spot.”
Yet, insiders cited by Football Insider suggest Johnson’s direct runs clash with Frank’s possession-based ethos, hastening his exit.
What Deal Has Crystal Palace Agreed with Tottenham?
Crystal Palace have moved decisively, agreeing terms with both Tottenham and Johnson’s representatives. Football Insider sources confirm the Selhurst Park outfit—flying high under Oliver Glasner—will pay around £30m upfront, potentially rising to £40m with add-ons.
The move reunites Johnson with south London, where Palace see him as Eberechi Eze’s perfect foil. Glasner, post his Europa League win with Frankfurt, craves Premier League firepower. Johnson’s pace and finishing align with Palace’s counter-attacking style.
As per Football Insider, personal terms were finalised swiftly, with Johnson penning a four-year deal worth £80,000 weekly. Medicals are scheduled imminently, paving the way for a January switch.
When Did Brennan Johnson Join Tottenham and What Changed?
Johnson’s Tottenham journey began in August 2023, when Spurs activated his £47.5m release clause from Nottingham Forest. Football Insider‘s report, “Sources: Brennan Johnson wants to join Tottenham after new talks,” captured his eagerness post-initial discussions.
He featured sporadically under Postecoglou before exploding last season. The Europa League final goal, as detailed in Football Insider‘s “Exclusive: Tottenham land £38m windfall,” symbolised his peak.
Frank’s arrival marked the pivot. The benchings accumulated, and by December 2025, Johnson’s agent approached suitors. Palace, monitoring since summer, pounced.
Will This Transfer Benefit Crystal Palace’s Season?
Crystal Palace, seventh in the Premier League, eye European spots. Johnson’s arrival injects proven scoring—18 goals last term dwarfs their current wide options. Glasner hailed him internally as “the missing piece,” per Football Insider whispers.
For Tottenham, the sale recoups funds for Frank’s rebuild. Yet, White’s bafflement echoes fan sentiment: losing a top scorer mid-season invites scrutiny.
What Do Sources Say About Johnson’s Future Role at Palace?
Sources to Football Insider predict an immediate starting berth on Palace’s right flank. His international pedigree—13 Wales caps—adds maturity. Johnson himself, in a leaked camp statement, said:
“I need minutes to regain my spark; Palace feels right.”
The deal, stunning in its speed, closes a chapter on Johnson’s Spurs tenure. As White put it, it’s baffling—but football moves fast.
