This is one out of the blue, and does come with a cautionary note. There are strong ongoing rumours linking Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson with a potential January move to Crystal Palace. No deal has been completed yet, but interest is credible and gathering momentum.
However, former professional footballer Chris Armstrong, who made 141 appearances for Spurs in the late 90s, understands that talks are somewhat advanced!
Spurs are open to selling the 24-year-old Welsh international if a suitable offer arrives (around £40-50m, close to the £47.5m they paid Nottingham Forest in 2023). They’ve shifted to considering loan options, too, as recouping full value may be tough given his reduced role. Manager Thomas Frank has said he’s “happy” with Johnson but acknowledges the need for squad depth and that players want minutes.
Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, are actively monitoring Johnson and see him as a versatile attacker to bolster their squad. They need cover and reinforcement in wide areas, especially with Ismaila Sarr at the Africa Cup of Nations and other injuries. Palace view him as a fit for their high-tempo style and are the most advanced club in pursuing him.
After a strong 2024/25 season (including the winning goal in Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph), Johnson has started only six Premier League games under Frank this term, with limited minutes overall. A move could benefit him ahead of Wales’ World Cup qualifiers.
Given Spurs paid so much for Johnson, this could result in any fee eclipsing Crystal Palace’s £32m fee they paid for Christian Benteke.
Life after football has not been entirely straightforward for Chris, and in July 2016, Armstrong was arrested for possession of cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy after a raid in West Kensington. He pleaded guilty to possession of Class A and Class B drugs at Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court and was fined £375. He denied having a drug problem.
A few summers later in July 2021, Armstrong caused £2,000 of criminal damage and assaulted staff at a Tesco in Chelsea, London. The staff had refused to open for him to buy cigarettes. He admitted to the offences at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the following January. In March, he received an 18-month community order and treatment for his drug and alcohol problems, as well as court costs of £180