Aston Villa Compete With Crystal Palace For The Signing Of 24-Year-Old Star Winger: Why Will He Be A Good Signing? | OneFootball

Unai Emery continues his aggressive pursuit of fresh talent as Aston Villa initiate contact with Tottenham Hotspur regarding the potential acquisition of Brennan Johnson. Recent reports from journalist Fraser Fletcher suggest that the Welsh international carries a price tag ranging between £30 million and £40 million.

This figure reflects both his proven Premier League experience and his recent struggles in North London. Although the winger moved to Tottenham with high expectations, he has found consistent form elusive under Thomas Frank.

Brennan Johnson saga:

Because of this, the club now considers sanctioning the 24-year-old’s exit to fund different attacking options. A move away from the capital appears increasingly likely for Johnson as he seeks a fresh start where he can rediscover his explosive pace and clinical edge.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Despite his recent dip, the forward retains significant value due to his previous exploits in the top flight. He performed particularly well during his successful stint at Nottingham Forest. Because Crystal Palace also admire the attacker, Villa face stiff competition from a side desperate to replace the creative spark they lost following the departure of Eberechi Eze.

The Eagles offer a guaranteed starting role in South London. Even so, the lure of the Midlands remains strong given the ambitious project currently unfolding at Villa Park. Since the summer arrivals of Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho have failed to produce the desired impact on the flanks, Emery views Johnson as a versatile solution. He believes the winger can effectively stretch opposition defences.

On top of that, the Spanish manager has a reputation for turning raw talents into tactical assets. This track record could change everything for the long-term development of Johnson. Even though his current tenure at Spurs seems to have stalled, his age suggests that he still has his best years ahead of him.

Johnson just needs to find the right coaching staff to succeed. If Villa can negotiate a fee closer to the lower end of the reported valuation, they might secure a homegrown player with huge resale potential. At the end of the day, the decision rests with the player himself. He must compare the prospect of European football in Birmingham against becoming the focal point of the Palace attack.

Verdict: Does Aston Villa Need Johnson?

Aston Villa definitely require Johnson because their current summer recruits have struggled to provide consistent width or directness. His sheer speed offers a tactical dimension that Sancho lacks. This quality provides a genuine threat to the counter-attack. So, signing him looks like a smart move to help a squad that currently lacks offensive variety.