Crystal Palace has made a significant move in the transfer market by signing Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson for a club-record fee of £35 million. The talented Welsh international has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will don the No 11 shirt for the Eagles. This transfer surpasses the previous record, set when Palace acquired Christian Benteke from Liverpool for £32 million in 2016.
Johnson joins Palace after a stint at Tottenham, where he arrived in the summer of 2023 for £47.5 million from Nottingham Forest. During his time with Spurs, he emerged as a pivotal player, finishing as the club’s top scorer last season with 18 goals, including a decisive strike in the Europa League final against Manchester United.
Despite his impressive past season, Johnson found limited first-team opportunities at Spurs this year, starting six times in the Premier League under new manager Thomas Frank. His position was affected by the arrival of Mohammed Kudus, who joined Spurs in a £55 million deal from West Ham. Over the current season, he has appeared 20 times for Spurs across all competitions, scoring 27 goals in his 107 matches for the club.
Expressing his excitement at joining Crystal Palace, Johnson stated, “I’m really happy and excited. Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I’ve always admired. It’s a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner shared his enthusiasm about the signing, saying, “I’m really delighted that Brennan has joined the club… He will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability. He will be a valuable addition to the squad.” Johnson’s signing comes as Palace’s first significant investment following the sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67.5 million.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish also voiced his satisfaction with the new signing, describing Johnson as an “exciting young talent” and believing that the club is well-suited for him to continue his impressive development. Johnson’s arrival not only strengthens Palace’s attacking options but also positions the club well as they compete on various fronts this season, including European competitions.
Brennan Johnson’s addition is viewed positively, especially as he has already demonstrated the knack for scoring in critical moments, with all of his shots from last season in the Premier League being taken inside the penalty area. His versatility as a player capable of operating from both flanks will be beneficial, particularly with fellow winger Ismaila Sarr currently absent due to participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
This transfer brings hope and excitement for Palace supporters, marking a new chapter for the club as they aim for continued success both domestically and in Europe. Johnson’s ambition to secure regular playing time could sync well with Wales’ upcoming World Cup aspirations, making this a mutually beneficial move for both the player and the club as they gear up for a pivotal season.