Tottenham Hotspur appear to be preparing for a busy January, with fresh reports suggesting the club are already lining up a replacement should Brennan Johnson leave north London.
Interest in the Wales international has gathered pace, and a deal worth around £35 million has reportedly been agreed with Crystal Palace, even though Johnson is yet to make a final decision on his next move.
With other Premier League clubs also keeping a close eye on the situation, Spurs are clearly planning ahead in case his exit becomes official.
Johnson has found life difficult this season, starting only a handful of league games and struggling to secure a regular role. Tottenham’s heavy investment in attacking players has increased competition across the front line, and despite Johnson’s pace and work rate, he has slipped down the pecking order.
The arrivals of high-profile attackers in recent windows have limited his minutes, and at this stage of his career, regular football is likely to be a major factor in his thinking. From Tottenham’s point of view, recouping a large chunk of the money they originally spent makes financial sense, especially if it helps fund another move with long-term upside.
That is where Yan Diomande comes into the picture. The RB Leipzig winger has caught the attention of Tottenham’s recruitment team after an explosive start to life in the Bundesliga.
Still only 19, Diomande has already shown signs of being a special talent, combining raw speed with confidence and end product. In just a small number of starts in Germany’s top flight, he has delivered goals and assists at an impressive rate, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young attackers in the league.
Diomande’s rise has been rapid. Just last season, he was gaining experience in Spain before making the switch to Leipzig earlier this year. Since then, his development has accelerated, helped by a system that encourages young players to express themselves.
His direct style, willingness to take on defenders, and ability to impact games from wide areas have all stood out. Tottenham see him as a player with huge potential, someone who could grow into a key figure rather than simply fill a gap.
If Johnson does leave, Spurs believe Diomande could offer something different while still fitting the club’s long-term vision.
The idea would not just be to replace one winger with another, but to invest in a player who could increase in value and quality over time. That approach has become a clear theme in Tottenham’s recent transfer strategy.
Of course, a move of this scale would not be simple. Diomande’s performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe, and RB Leipzig are well known for driving a hard bargain when it comes to their prized assets. Any deal would likely require significant investment and careful negotiation.
For now, much depends on Johnson’s decision. If he chooses to move on, Tottenham look ready to act quickly. Diomande represents ambition, risk, and excitement rolled into one, and his arrival would signal Spurs’ intent to keep building a younger, faster, and more dynamic attacking unit, even as they reshape their squad mid-season.
