Palace Break Transfer Record to Land Brennan Johnson
Glasner gets his man early in the window
Crystal Palace have sent a clear message of ambition by completing the club-record signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham for £35 million. The Wales international has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal and is expected to be available for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle.
Manager Oliver Glasner praised Palace’s hierarchy for acting quickly after past frustrations in the transfer market. The Austrian has been vocal about the need to strengthen following Palace’s demanding European campaign and admitted this deal showed real progress behind the scenes.
Johnson arrives on just the second day of the window, something Glasner highlighted as a major positive. Palace beat competition from Bournemouth to secure the forward, who was keen to remain in London after struggling for consistent minutes under Thomas Frank at Spurs.
Pace, goals and flexibility for Palace attack
Glasner believes Johnson will immediately improve Palace’s attacking options. Known for his speed, movement and eye for goal, the 24-year-old offers flexibility across the front line and is expected to play a key role during a packed fixture schedule.
Johnson started just six Premier League matches last season but still left a mark at Tottenham, scoring the decisive goal in their Europa League final win in May. His departure continues Spurs’ trend of selling their most productive attackers in recent years, following Son Heung-min and Harry Kane.
For Palace, the signing eclipses the fee paid for Christian Benteke in 2016 and represents a statement of intent as the club looks to establish itself in the top half of the table.
More business expected at Selhurst Park
Johnson may not be the final arrival. Palace are continuing talks with Angers over teenage forward Sidiki Chérif, although competition from Paris FC remains strong. Glasner is also keen to add depth at right-back, despite Daniel Muñoz nearing a return from injury, with several European options being monitored.
Midfield reinforcements are also on the agenda, with Palace exploring an ambitious move for AZ’s Kees Smit, a player also attracting interest from Newcastle and Real Madrid.
Brighton reunion adds experience elsewhere
Elsewhere, Brighton confirmed the return of former captain Pascal Gross, who has rejoined the club until the end of next season after a brief spell at Borussia Dortmund. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler highlighted Gross’s leadership and experience as key assets for a young squad.
