Crystal Palace are growing increasingly confident that Brennan Johnson could be wearing their colours as early as this weekend, with hopes rising that the Tottenham forward will be available to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Talks have moved quickly over the last few days, and what once felt like a cautious negotiation now looks close to being completed.
Palace agreed a fee of £35 million with Tottenham earlier in the week for the Wales international. At that point, the deal hinged on Johnson’s decision, as several clubs were monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.
Johnson took time to consider his options, weighing up where he would get regular football and a clear role. That process now appears to be over, with Palace moving fast to push the deal over the line.
Sources indicate that a medical has been scheduled within the next 24 hours, a clear sign that Palace believe Johnson is ready to commit. The club are hopeful that everything can be finalised in time for him to be registered and potentially make his debut against Newcastle.
While it would be a tight turnaround, there is real optimism inside Selhurst Park that the paperwork and checks can be completed without delay.
Johnson’s situation at Tottenham has changed dramatically over the past year. Despite scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final in May, a moment that ended Spurs’ long wait for silverware, he has struggled to secure a regular place under Thomas Frank.
Competition for places has increased, and Johnson has slipped down the pecking order, making a move away feel inevitable. For a player described as rapid and direct, a lack of consistent minutes has stalled his momentum.
Crystal Palace see Johnson as a perfect fit for their current needs. The club has faced a demanding run of fixtures, and manager Oliver Glasner has been clear in his desire to strengthen the squad in January.
Palace have been stretched thin in attacking areas, and Johnson quickly became their top target. His pace, work rate, and Premier League experience tick all the right boxes for a side looking to add energy and threat in wide areas.
The deal itself would mark a significant moment for Palace. The £35 million fee would be a club-record signing, surpassing the £27 million spent on Christian Benteke back in 2016. From Palace’s point of view, it also represents good value.
Tottenham paid £47.5 million to sign Johnson from Nottingham Forest in 2023, so Palace are landing a proven Premier League player at a reduced price, still with his best years ahead of him.
There is also a clear path into the starting lineup. Eddie Nketiah is currently sidelined with injury, while Ismaila Sarr is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
That lack of availability means Johnson could be thrown straight into the action if everything is completed in time. For a player eager to play regularly and re-establish himself, the timing could hardly be better.
Johnson has now given his approval to the move, despite a late attempt from Sunderland to change his mind. The newly promoted side have impressed this season and currently sit seventh in the table, but their squad has been hit by AFCON absences.
Manager Regis Le Bris was keen to add quality and keep their momentum going, identifying Johnson as an ideal addition. Even so, Johnson opted for Palace, believing it offers the right balance of opportunity, stability, and Premier League exposure.
Everton and Bournemouth were also tracking Johnson’s situation closely. Bournemouth, in particular, were exploring options as they prepare for life without Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to join Manchester City.
Despite that interest, Palace have stayed ahead throughout the process, moving decisively once Johnson made his intentions clear.
Unless there is a dramatic late twist, Crystal Palace are set to complete the signing and welcome Johnson into the squad. The focus now shifts to the medical and final formalities. If all goes to plan, Palace fans could see their new signing take his first steps in red and blue against Newcastle this weekend.
For Johnson, the move represents a fresh start and a chance to remind everyone of his quality. For Palace, it is a statement signing that shows ambition and belief.
And for Tottenham, it is a clean break that allows them to reshape their squad. All signs point to a deal that suits everyone involved, with the only question now being whether Johnson’s debut comes sooner rather than later.
