Crystal Palace may move for attacker Spurs willing to sell | OneFootball

Brennan Johnson Future in Focus as Spurs Consider January Sale Amid Crystal Palace Interest

Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly open to the idea of selling Brennan Johnson during the January transfer window, with internal discussions gathering momentum amid growing Premier League interest. Crystal Palace are understood to be monitoring the situation closely, while two other top-flight clubs have also made informal enquiries as Spurs weigh up a significant squad decision.

Johnson, now 24, arrived in north London in September 2023 from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth up to £47.5 million. His time at Spurs has delivered tangible moments, including 27 goals and 18 assists across 104 appearances, as well as the decisive goal in the Europa League final victory over Manchester United that ended the club’s long wait for silverware. Despite those contributions, his role has remained inconsistent, and questions continue to surround his long-term fit.

Tottenham’s hierarchy still regard Johnson as a valuable squad member, but there is a growing acceptance that his development has plateaued. As Spurs look to elevate their level under Thomas Frank, difficult decisions are being taken about which players can truly drive the club forward.

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Contract Situation Shapes Spurs Thinking

Johnson is under contract until 2028, placing Tottenham in a strong negotiating position and removing any immediate pressure to sanction a sale. However, sources suggest the club had already anticipated making a clear call on his future by next summer, when extension talks or a potential exit would naturally come into focus.

That timeline may now be brought forward. January represents an opportunity to test the market while Johnson’s value remains high and before uncertainty creeps into his contractual situation. Tottenham are believed to value the winger at around £50 million, though there is an understanding that flexibility could be shown if favourable structures or add-ons are included.

Crystal Palace’s interest, according to TeamTalk, is viewed internally as credible rather than speculative. The south London club are keen to add proven Premier League quality to their attacking options, and Johnson’s pace, versatility and experience align with that brief. Spurs are also aware that multiple suitors could strengthen their hand should they formally open the door to negotiations.

Performance Levels Under Thomas Frank

From a footballing perspective, Johnson’s future is closely tied to Spurs’ evolving tactical demands. Thomas Frank has prioritised intensity, off-ball work and consistency across the forward line, particularly in wide areas. While Johnson has delivered match-winning moments, he has struggled to maintain that level week after week.

There is no suggestion of a breakdown in trust between player and manager. Rather, the question being asked internally is whether Johnson can become a reliable starter for a side targeting sustained Champions League qualification. At present, there are doubts about whether he can consistently influence matches against top-level opposition.

Those concerns have not gone unnoticed by recruitment staff, who are assessing whether reallocating resources could better serve the squad’s overall balance.

Spurs Tracking Ambitious Replacement Options

With Johnson’s potential departure factored into planning, Tottenham are actively exploring high-profile attacking reinforcements. Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is firmly on the club’s radar, with Spurs prepared to push financial boundaries to secure his signature. His £65 million release clause is not viewed as prohibitive, and there is a willingness from the ownership to make a statement signing.

Competition is fierce, with Manchester City and Liverpool also showing interest, but Spurs believe Semenyo’s profile suits Frank’s system and long-term vision.

Elsewhere, RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande continues to be admired across Europe. Tottenham are among several elite clubs tracking his progress, although any deal would require a substantial outlay, with Leipzig valuing the player at over €100 million. No advanced talks are in place, but the interest reflects Spurs’ intent to target top-tier talent.

Wider Transfer Context at Tottenham

Beyond Johnson, Tottenham remain active across the market. Enquiries for highly rated defender Luka Vuskovic have been firmly rebuffed, with the club determined to protect key young assets. Work is also ongoing to secure the long-term future of a senior player amid interest from Manchester City further down the line.

Taken together, Johnson’s situation highlights a club entering a more ruthless phase of its rebuild. Tottenham are no longer stockpiling talent; they are refining it. Whether that process ultimately includes Brennan Johnson beyond January remains one of the most significant questions of the upcoming transfer window.