Tottenham Hotspur are giving serious thought to a January sale of Brennan Johnson, with club sources suggesting there is growing openness to cashing in on the winger as interest builds from several Premier League sides and Thomas Frank looks at bold alternatives.
Johnson arrived in north London in September 2023 in a deal that could rise to £47.5 million from Nottingham Forest. He has contributed 27 goals and 18 assists in 104 appearances, including a decisive strike in the Europa League final victory over Manchester United that ended Spurs’ long wait for silverware. Even so, he has never fully nailed down a starting role and his patchy form has tested the patience of both supporters and the head coach.
That backdrop has led to increasing questions about the Wales international’s long term future. His contract runs until 2028, but Tottenham had already anticipated a key decision next summer on whether to renew or move him on. Now, those discussions appear to have been pulled forward.
While Johnson remains a respected squad member, there is doubt over whether he fits the level Spurs want to reach as they push to strengthen in crucial areas. As a result, sources believe his situation could come to a head in January. Crystal Palace are understood to be considering a move, while two other Premier League clubs have also made tentative enquiries.
Tottenham are thought to have placed a valuation of around £50 million on the 24 year old. However, there is an acceptance internally that a slightly lower fee could be agreed if the structure of the deal suits, potentially allowing Spurs to recoup their original investment.
Tottenham line up ambitious replacements
With the club open to a possible exit, attention has already turned to potential successors. Spurs are tracking Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo and are firmly in the race to sign the Ghana international despite interest from Manchester City and Liverpool. Those close to the club believe Tottenham are prepared to significantly increase their wage offers, with Semenyo’s £65 million release clause not viewed as an obstacle.
Another name under consideration is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has listed Tottenham among several English clubs monitoring the Ivory Coast talent. Diomande is under contract until 2030, has no release clause, and Leipzig are reportedly valuing him at more than €100 million, with a move after the World Cup seen as a possibility.
Elsewhere, Spurs have turned away approaches from major clubs such as Bayern Munich for highly rated centre back Luka Vuskovic, with a clear plan in place to protect his future in north London. The club are also working to secure a key first team player amid interest from Manchester City ahead of 2026.
On the recruitment side, Tottenham are also tracking a highly regarded Dutch youngster, although competition from other London clubs is strong. Meanwhile, speculation linking Spurs with Mason Greenwood has been played down, with sources insisting a deal is neither realistic nor under consideration.