Report: Crystal Palace set to sign £35m star ahead of Newcastle United clash | OneFootball

Crystal Palace close in on £35m Brennan Johnson deal ahead of Newcastle clash

Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal for Brennan Johnson in a move that would see Oliver Glasner’s side pay a club record fee. Credit to The Telegraph, whose report describes Palace as “close in on £35m Brennan Johnson” and says Glasner’s team are prepared “to pay club-record fee for attacker who may be available to face Newcastle on Sunday”.

The Telegraph adds that Palace believe the deal can be wrapped up quickly, reporting: “Crystal Palace are now confident Brennan Johnson will be at the club in time for their match against Newcastle United on Sunday…”

Club record fee underlines Palace intent

The proposed £35m outlay would represent a significant step for Palace in the market, with the Telegraph framing it as a club record commitment for a forward. With the January window now open, Palace appear eager to move early rather than be drawn into a prolonged negotiation.

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Johnson’s profile is a major part of the appeal, and the Telegraph highlights his recent output at Tottenham, writing: “Brennan Johnson was Tottenham Hotspur’s top goalscorer last season”. That record, coupled with his age and Premier League experience, makes him a natural candidate for a side looking to add pace and goals in the final third.

Newcastle availability becomes key early test

Palace’s schedule has put an immediate spotlight on timing. The Telegraph’s suggestion that Johnson “may be available to face Newcastle on Sunday” sets a clear deadline for paperwork, medical checks, and registration, and it also hints that Palace see this as more than a longer term project. If the move is completed in time, Johnson could arrive straight into a high profile away fixture.

Even if he does not start, being part of the matchday group would be a clear signal that Palace expect him to contribute right away. The language used, “now confident” and “in time”, points to a deal at an advanced stage rather than early exploration.

Tottenham context and why Palace want Johnson

Johnson has already proven he can deliver goals from wide or advanced positions, and the Telegraph’s description of him as Tottenham’s leading scorer last season underlines why Palace are prepared to stretch their budget. For Glasner, the attraction is straightforward, adding an attacker with end product, direct running, and the ability to decide matches.

This also reads like a move that suits Palace’s current trajectory. A club record fee tends to come with a clear plan, and the pace of the reporting suggests Palace believe Johnson can raise their ceiling immediately, not simply add depth.

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From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, the words “club-record fee” are the headline within the headline. It suggests the club are serious about backing Glasner and pushing on, rather than settling for gradual progress. If you are going to spend big, you want someone with Premier League proof points, and the Telegraph calling Johnson “Tottenham Hotspur’s top goalscorer last season” will make fans sit up.

The Newcastle angle is what makes this feel real and that is when Selhurst Park starts buzzing even before a scarf is lifted. If he lands and is in the squad quickly, it is an instant shot of belief for the fanbase.

There is also a simple emotional pull here. Palace supporters love attackers who play on the front foot, who run at defenders and take responsibility. A £35m player has to carry that expectation, but if Johnson turns up with confidence and starts producing, he will get the full Selhurst roar behind him. This is the kind of deal that makes you look at the fixture list and think we can take a swing at anyone.