Crystal Palace will be aiming to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after their impressive early momentum has begun to fade.
The Eagles were held to a 1–1 draw by Fulham last night, and the sharp edge that defined Oliver Glasner’s side at the start of the season has eased in recent weeks. Despite that dip, the club have acted decisively in the transfer market by securing Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur in a record £35 million deal. Given recent fees elsewhere, that price looks excellent value, particularly when compared to the £55 million spent on Anthony Elanga.
Palace were racing against time to complete the move. While the main terms had been agreed back in December, the transfer was not finalised on January 1, leaving the remaining paperwork to be wrapped up today. For Johnson to be available for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United, everything needed to be submitted before midday.
Crystal Palace confirm Johnson can face Newcastle
The club managed to meet the deadline and confirmed through their official channels that the Wales international is cleared to feature at St James’ Park.
“Johnson will be eligible to make his Palace debut against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.”
Of course, being registered and actually starting are two different matters, and there may be merit in allowing the winger some time to adapt before throwing him straight into action.
Johnson could provide a spark for Palace
Johnson already has a positive memory at St James’ Park, having recorded an assist there for Tottenham last season in a 2–1 defeat to Newcastle.
Whether one new signing can immediately transform Palace’s form is uncertain, but Johnson has the tools to pose problems, especially if deployed out wide. If selected, he could add directness and energy that Palace have occasionally lacked in recent matches.
Newcastle themselves have been searching for greater attacking impetus. The return of Yoane Wissa from injury has helped, with two goals from his first two starts, although Nick Woltemade is expected to lead the line on Sunday.