Spurs could unleash a special Johnson alternative with late swoop for £25M ace

As Tottenham Hotspur prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, the transfer window’s closure looms large. With just days left, Tottenham’s management, led by Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy, is still assessing potential moves to finalize a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

Despite their strong start to the season, questions remain, particularly regarding the effectiveness of their wide players—most notably, Brennan Johnson.

Tottenham has begun the Premier League season on a positive note, securing four points from their first two matches. A 1-1 draw against Leicester City was followed by an emphatic 4-0 victory over Everton, where Heung-min Son scored twice, and both Yves Bissouma and Cristian Romero found the back of the net.

The impressive performance against Everton showcased Tottenham’s potential under Postecoglou, but the need for more firepower in the wide areas remains apparent.

Brennan Johnson, who joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for a reported £47.5 million in the summer of 2023, has had a challenging start to life in North London. Despite a solid track record at Forest, where he scored eight goals and provided three assists in 38 Premier League appearances during the 2022/23 season, Johnson has struggled to replicate that form at Tottenham.

In his 35 Premier League appearances for Spurs, Johnson has scored just five goals and missed 17 ‘big chances,’ falling short of his expected goal (xG) tally of 10.61. His performance data reveals a player who has underperformed in front of goal, despite creating 10 assists—largely attributed to the clinical finishing of his teammates rather than his own playmaking prowess.

As the table above illustrates, Johnson’s start to the 2024/25 season has been equally underwhelming. In two matches, he has yet to score or assist, missed a ‘big chance,’ and failed to complete any of his dribble attempts. With such statistics, it’s clear that Johnson has not lived up to expectations, and Tottenham may need to consider alternatives to boost their attacking threat.

Amid Johnson’s struggles, Tottenham has reportedly shown interest in Baris Yilmaz, a promising Turkish forward currently playing for Galatasaray. According to Turkish outlet Haber3, Spurs, along with Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, are keen on the 24-year-old winger. Galatasaray values Yilmaz at around €30 million (£25 million), a price that reflects his potential to become a significant asset for any Premier League side.

Yilmaz, praised by Gaziantep manager Selcuk Inan as a “very special” player, has begun the current Super Lig season strongly, with one goal and five chances created in just two matches. His ability to complete dribbles (2.5 per game) and create ‘big chances’ marks him as a direct and dangerous player, qualities that Tottenham desperately needs in their wide areas.

A direct comparison between Yilmaz and Johnson reveals why Tottenham might be wise to pursue the Turkish winger as a replacement or upgrade for the struggling Johnson.

The table above highlights the stark differences between the two players. Yilmaz’s goal-scoring and chance-creating abilities are evident, with his xG and xA figures reflecting a player who outperforms expectations. Despite creating fewer assists than Johnson, Yilmaz’s overall contributions were more impactful, especially when considering that his teammates at Galatasaray were less clinical than those at Tottenham.

Moreover, Yilmaz’s higher dribble success rate suggests a player more adept at taking on defenders and creating opportunities, a skill set that could complement Tottenham’s existing attack. Given these metrics, Yilmaz presents a compelling case as a more effective and dynamic option than Johnson.

As the transfer window deadline approaches, Tottenham must decide whether to stick with Brennan Johnson or make a late move for Baris Yilmaz. Johnson’s underwhelming performances and inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities suggest that he may not be the answer to Tottenham’s attacking needs. On the other hand, Yilmaz’s promising start to the season and proven ability to exceed expectations make him an attractive option for Spurs.

Signing Yilmaz could provide Tottenham with the boost they need in the wide areas, offering more direct play, creativity, and goal-scoring potential. If Tottenham aims to secure a top-four finish and challenge for silverware, making this strategic upgrade could be crucial in achieving their objectives. As the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window, the time for Tottenham to act is now.

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