Crystal Palace kicked the transfer door down in the opening days of January and sent a loud message to the Premier League. Brennan Johnson is the new owner of the Eagles’ No. 11 shirt in a £35 million deal that shatters every financial record in the club’s history. The former Tottenham forward, already working under Oliver Glasner, arrives on a four-and-a-half-year contract and could be the spark Palace have been missing as they head to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle this Sunday.
Glasner had been pushing for heavyweight reinforcements since the summer window slammed shut, and the board not only delivered what he wanted but also won a fierce tug-of-war with Everton, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth to land the Welshman.
Glasner’s pull and Spurs’ financial hit
Tottenham accepted a significant loss, selling for £35 million a player who cost nearly £48 million when he left Nottingham Forest. The reason was simple. Brennan Johnson no longer fit into Thomas Frank’s long-term plans.
What was surplus to requirements in London quickly became a top priority at Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner played a central role in the negotiations, acting almost like a relentless recruiter to make sure Johnson didn’t head toward Villa or Everton. “I’m very happy with Brennan joining the club,” the head coach said.
Goals in the bag and renewed ambition
Johnson’s recent résumé commands respect, even if the mood at Tottenham had cooled. He finished last season as Spurs’ leading scorer with 18 goals, a total that can’t be brushed aside, especially in such a competitive league. Pulling on the shirt of the reigning FA Cup champions, the forward sounded genuinely excited about the change. “I’m really excited and really happy. Crystal Palace is a fantastic club that I’ve always admired,” the player said.
Now the focus shifts to Johnson’s physical preparation, with the forward already making himself available as he looks to help the team at one of the Premier League’s toughest venues this Sunday.