Football Insider

Tottenham could be ready to let other players out of the door with Brennan Johnson, after a fee was agreed for the winger’s exit.

Johnson was expected to leave Tottenham in the coming months, after featuring in just three of Thomas Frank‘s last 15 Premier League starting line-ups.

The Wales international was key under Ange Postecoglou, but his successor has opted for the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.

Crystal Palace reportedly agreed a £35miliion deal to sign Johnson on Tuesday, although he is yet to decide on his future.

Johnson would become Palace’s club-record signing if he decides to make the switch to Selhurst Park.

Ben Davies ‘could leave on a free’

Ben Davies was in the discussion for Tottenham’s next captain when Son Heung-min left, but the defender has made just two appearances this season.

The 32-year-old has served the Lilywhites for over 11 years now, but could be set to finally leave in the summer.

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Davies‘ contract runs out at the end of June, and he may well decide to spend the final years of his career playing more regularly elsewhere.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham scout Bryan King said: “I don’t think it’s a mistake, I think it’s a situation where he’s the oldest player at the club and could leave on a free.

“Whether he goes in January or the summer, I can see him going for nothing and being a good servant for another club.

“Ben Davies has been a big factor in helping young players through into the first team with his experience. It looks like it’s time to move on. They won’t get a fee for him, it’s been long enough and he’s done his service.

“He’s loyal, he’s honest and he’s been a good footballer for Tottenham. People like that are usually looked after by the club and let go with the club’s best wishes and that’s what I would do if I were Tottenham.“

Davies open on his Tottenham future

Speaking during pre-season, Davies was happy to speak openly about his future.

“That one is not necessarily under my control,” he explained. “I reported for pre-season and I’m excited to be here.

“My focus is now on how I can help this club this year and if something changes I’m sure I will be picking up that phone call but right now I don’t see anything else.”

One potential move that has been suggested is a return to Swansea City. The Wales international came through the academy there, and it was there that he caught the attention of Tottenham.

Tottenham have to recall Jamie Donley from his loan spell with Stoke City as soon as the January window opens after new reports of interest in his services from Bolton Wanderers.

Donley impressed on loan at Leyton Orient last season as he registered eight goals and 11 assists in his first loan away from Tottenham.

His impressive League One performances saw him placed on the radar of numerous Championship teams ahead of this term, with Stoke City chosen as his new team for this campaign in August.

The Northern Ireland playmaker started well as he grabbed an assist on his debut for the club, but he has seriously struggled for game time ever since.

Donley last played for the Potters on 21 October, and Spurs must take action to recall him and send him to a new club amid fresh reports of interest in his signature.

Bolton are interested in Donley – Spurs must recall him from Stoke spell

Spurs fans were raving about Donley as he scored on international duty last month, but his potential has not been realised in North Staffordshire as yet.

Mark Robins has only allowed him to make six substitute appearances so far this term, with just two of those being starts.

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It certainly hasn’t been what any party involved will have wanted, and Tottenham will no doubt have been weighing up a decision to recall the 20-year-old next month.

They should definitely do so, especially now that reporter Alan Nixon has claimed that League One outfit Bolton Wanderers want to sign Donley on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

The report states that he has been “unhappy” at Stoke, and Wanderers admire Donley from his time at Orient last season, while Spurs may be happy to see him going back to League One for more game-time.

Such a move makes a lot of sense, as, for whatever reason, he has struggled to make the step-up to the Championship so far, yet was clearly a top player in the third tier.

He is unlikely to come into favour in the Potteries as Robins eyes new additions in the January window to aid his side’s promotion push, so Spurs should act to recall Donley as soon as possible.

Why has Donley not been a success at Stoke?

There can be many reasons why a young player struggles to adapt to life on loan in the Championship, with the physicality and intensity of the league often a main factor.

That did not seem to be the case with Donley, especially after his spell in League One last term, so his issues have mainly come down to some of Stoke’s attacking players being their key men so far in 2025-26.

The 20-year-old plays as an attacking midfielder, which is where South Korea international Bae Jun-ho has been one of their most influential stars, while Netherlands youth international Million Manhoef has locked down the right-wing position.

Stoke have been in the play-off race for the whole campaign so far, and so Robins’ reluctance to mix up a strong team has been understandable, for the most part.

Sheffield United won 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium on Monday to push them four points away from the top six, however, and their recent run of one win in seven will have left Donley frustrated at his lack of chances.

The fact that he has still not played while their starters have struggled for form shows that he faces a season of being on the bench if he stays with the Potters, so Tottenham have to recall him soon to loan him back out to Bolton.

Brennan Johnson’s time at Tottenham looks set to draw to a close in the coming weeks after two-and-a-half years at the club.

The Wales international has been heavily linked with a move away from the North London outfit in recent weeks, and he now appears destined to head elsewhere in the Premier League.

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Crystal Palace are a realistic option for Johnson in January, and the Eagles have now progressed their interest and have agreed a £35million fee.

The decision as to whether he joins Crystal Palace now rests with Johnson, but with several other clubs also keen to strike a deal, his departure from the Lilywhites seems inevitable.

The winger has been a consistent source of creativity for Tottenham since he arrived from Nottingham Forest back in 2023, and with that in mind, Football Insider looks back on some of his best moments in the famous white shirt.

Brennan Johnson’s goal wins Europa League for Tottenham

Johnson has slowly fallen out of favour at Tottenham since Thomas Frank’s arrival, but there was once a time when he was one of the first names on the teamsheet in N17.

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The 24-year-old has delivered some massive moments for Spurs over the years, none more so than his winning goal in the Europa League final back in May.

Johnson arrived in the box to scramble the ball home shortly before half-time, and that goal ultimately proved enough to down Manchester United and seal Tottenham’s first major trophy for 17 years.

It was a magical moment from the wideman, and although far from his best goal in terms of quality, it has been by far his most important contribution during his time with the club.

Tottenham had been ridiculed for their failure to win trophies for an entire generation, and Johnson put a stop to that by providing fans with a moment that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Early strike breaks Europa League record

Johnson played a key role for Tottenham in their run to Europa League glory last term, as the competition quickly became the be-all and end-all for their campaign.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were miles off the pace in the Premier League, prompting them to put all their eggs in their European basket, and Johnson was a major reason why that strategy paid off.

They faced a potential banana skin in the form of Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final, but Johnson netted after just 38 seconds to quash any potential nerves in the first leg of the tie.

His strike electrified the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and set his team on their way to a comprehensive 3-1 victory, a result that saw them with one foot in the final before the return fixture in Norway.

It was another huge contribution from Johnson, and the goal broke the record for the fastest goal ever scored in a Europa League semi-final.

Last-minute delight vs Brighton

Johnson quickly became a key player for Spurs during his first season with the club, as he notched 15 goal contributions from just 32 Premier League games in 2023-24.

Among them was a clinical last-minute strike against Brighton, which he fired into the roof of the net from close range to hand his team a 2-1 win and a crucial three points.

That victory in early February 2024 propelled his team into the Champions League places, and although they ultimately finished just two points shy of the top four, it was another momentous night that he had a hand in.

The forward’s Tottenham career is set to end with over 100 appearances and plenty of goals, many of them hugely impactful moments for his club.

Brennan Johnson could have three clubs to choose from in the January transfer window amid his expected departure from Tottenham.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, amid Crystal Palace‘s pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Spurs are prepared to let Johnson leave the club either permanently or on a loan deal in the January transfer window.

Brentford and Ipswich Town have emerged as contenders to sign Johnson, who has made just six Premier League starts this season.

Crystal Palace ‘a real option’ for Brennan Johnson

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Oliver Glasner’s future at Crystal Palace could have a bearing on whether Johnson moves to Selhurst Park.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Johnson will leave Spurs quickly when the transfer window opens.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, I think Palace is a real option for him, and I think the one that’s making all the positive noise is Ipswich because they’ve had a real good run recently back up into the promotion places, at least the playoffs, in the Championship.

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“So yes, I think Brendan Johnson could be for Palace. I think he’s a talent. He’s been a little bit inconsistent at Spurs. But you know he’ll be looking as well as whether Glasner will be there or not. So that could make a decision for him as well.

“Whereas it does seem Kieran McKenna is still remaining loyal at Ipswich, and so we’ll see where that goes. As a young player, I think he seems to be a confident striker that needs that arm around the shoulder. And so he’ll be making a decision based on that.

“But certainly I think Palace. I also heard Brentford, but I do think that Palace and Ipswich are the two front-runners. I expect him to move fairly soon.”

Tottenham to replace Guglielmo Vicario

Spurs have looked at signing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a replacement for current number one Guglielmo Vicario.

Vicario’s performances in-between the sticks have been scrutinised lately following errors against Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

Thomas Frank has defended the goalkeeper, but the Dane is looking to strengthen the position as part of his rebuild of the squad.

Matt Wells has officially departed Tottenham to become the new Colorado Rapids manager.

The coach became Spurs’ assistant manager under Ange Postecoglou after learning his trade at a series of clubs.

Upon Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham, Wells remained an assistant and has helped oversee the Dane’s transition at the North London club.

However, with Spurs’ form stuttering in the latter half of 2025, Wells has now jumped ship, with the 37-year-old becoming the Colorado Rapids head coach.

Cristian Romero reacts to Matt Wells’ Tottenham departure

While many Tottenham fans may be hoping for Frank’s exit in the coming weeks, Wells’ is the latest coach to depart.

The young manager has now replaced Chris Armas, and will look to lead out a successful 2026 campaign.

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As a result, Colorado Rapids were quick to announce the news on their Instagram account on 23 December as they aim to now oversee a successful new era.

Many reacted to the post, including Tottenham captain Cristian Romero.

Romero, who was sent off against Liverpool on the weekend, liked the post as Spurs departed with the coach.

What has Thomas Frank said on Wells’ departure?

The loss of Wells will no doubt be a blow for Frank and Spurs.

The young coach was seen as a bright, upcoming talent at Tottenham, and he could go on to be a top manager one day.

As a result, Spurs have now lost two assistant managers in quick succession, with Ryan Mason departing for West Brom in the summer.

Now, with Tottenham currently struggling in the Premier League, the last thing they needed was Wells to also leave the North London club.

However, when examining the departure, Frank was quick to wish Wells luck in his new role as he praised his contribution to Spurs over the years.

He told Tottenham’s official website on 23 December: “When Matt joined my staff, I knew it was his dream to become a head coach, and while I would have loved to have kept him with us for longer, I would never stand in the way of him realising that dream.

“We are all delighted for Matt. He has contributed greatly to the Club over a long period of time. He’s an excellent coach, a great person and has a big future ahead of him. We wish him all the best.”

Tottenham’s January window plans have been thrown into disarray with sporting director Fabio Paratici potentially set to join assistant manager Matt Wells in leaving the club soon.

Thomas Frank has struggled throughout his first few months as Tottenham boss, and will be hoping that the new year is set to provide him with fresh ideas and numerous new signings.

Spurs do not look to be ending the year in strong form, after successive losses to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool saw them drop to 14th in the Premier League table.

Fresh developments off the pitch are set to hinder them even further, with one of Frank‘s assistants, Wells, officially leaving the club on Tuesday to become Colorado Rapids’ new boss.

They are set for a busy January window as numerous players arrive and depart, meaning Paratici‘s potential exit could come at a bad time ahead of the new year.

Paratici could leave Spurs for Fiorentina amid their desperation to sign a left-winger in January

Sporting director Paratici returned to Tottenham in October after he had initially resigned from the role in April 2023 due to a 30-month FIFA ban for financial irregularities.

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He could be on his way out of the North London club just a few months after his return, however, with The Sun reporting that he has been offered a five-year contract by Fiorentina to become their new head of football.

Tottenham are yet to receive an official approach from the Serie A club for his services, and would demand compensation if Paratici was to leave soon.

The report also states that the potential departure of the Italian director is set to further complicate matters for Frank ahead of January, as they are understood to be desperate to land a left-winger, but face a challenge to persuade their targets to make the move.

What has Frank said about Paratici’s potential exit?

Frank’s job is thought to be in danger right now, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believed to be a front-runner to take over if he departs.

He needs things to start going his way both on and off the pitch in the coming weeks, with Paratici’s possible departure set to be a huge blow to his January plans if it does materialise.

The Danish boss was asked about the saga in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference on Wednesday, and he remained coy on the subject but made it clear that he wants the 53-year-old to stay at the club.

He said: “I think, first and foremost, it’s not the first rumour I need to speak about. If it’s a staff director or player, in general, I’m not speaking about that.

“It’s one of these where there’s a lot of rumours out there which I’m not really commenting on, players, staff, directors, it’s not for me to have a decision on.

“Right now, Fabio and Johan are here, that’s what I relate to, and that’s what I’m focusing on.”

Tottenham have made multiple changes to their executive team over the past few months.

It comes after Tottenham confirmed Daniel Levy had stepped down as executive chairman in September after spending 24 years in the role.

Spurs appointed Peter Charrington as non-executive chairman following Levy’s departure, while Vinai Venkatesham is leading the day-to-day operations after joining as CEO earlier this year.

It was confirmed in October Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham as sporting director, with Johan Lange also promoted from technical director to sporting director.

In a new development, The Athletic reported on 16 December Tottenham are in advanced talks to appoint Carlos Raphael Moersen as their new director of football operations.

Tottenham to make more personnel changes after new hire

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider you have to trust Tottenham are bringing in a high-quality executive team following their latest appointments.

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Moersen has spent the past 10 years working as director of football transactions for Man City’s owners, the City Football Group.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Moersen’s anticipated arrival, Borson said: “I think you have to trust the management team to know what they need and how they’re going to structure it going forward.

“There’s clearly a change in terms of what they want to do from a budgetary perspective and also from a strategic perspective, so you are going to inevitably start to see additional people being added.”

The Lewis family, who own a majority stake in Tottenham, have taken a more active role in the running of the club since Levy’s departure was confirmed.

Tottenham leadership verdict shared as new arrival heads in

Borson insisted “very sensible people” are making the decisions at Spurs despite suggestions there are now too many senior voices.

“It’s very hard from the outside to assess whether there’s too many or not enough, particularly on the business side, just because we don’t see it very often,” said Borson.

“It’s not the same as on the playing side, where at least we get it in front of our eyes every week. We see what they’ve got. They only show their hand on the executive side, obviously, so it’s very hard to know.

“Even the top-level people and the executive level people, it’s very hard to know the quality and depth that they have below them from the outside.

“I think you have to trust the organisations to get that right, and they’ve got very sensible people there, so I don’t think there’s much risk of overdoing it. I would trust them to bring in a high-quality executive team.”

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank has come under pressure at Tottenham in recent weeks after his side have slipped to 14th in the Premier League table.

Luca Williams-Barnett could now be given a shot in the first team at Tottenham after Xavi Simons’ red card.

Spurs have been on a downward spiral in recent weeks, which has seen them drop to 14th in the table.

Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Liverpool was their latest defeat at home, with both Simons and Cristian Romero being sent off in the process.

Simons is now set to be banned for three matches at Tottenham, which will see him miss out on multiple big fixtures.

However, Tottenham expert John Wenham has backed Williams-Barnett to be given a chance in his place.

John Wenham: Luca Williams-Barnett could be given chance amid Xavi Simons suspension

Williams-Barnett is seen as one of Tottenham’s brightest upcoming youngsters.

The 17-year-old has progressed through the academy and made his Spurs first-team debut in the Carabao Cup earlier this campaign.

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Since then, Thomas Frank has placed the young midfielder on the bench multiple times in the Champions League as he looks to develop him into a star.

With Simons now out of action until the new year, Wenham was quick to express his frustration with the red card, while also backing the manager to give Williams-Barnett a chance.

He exclusively told Football Insider: “We have a difficult run of games coming up now, we are without Simons for three games, which is very frustrating.

“He has had a slow start at Tottenham; it looked like he turned a corner. We beat Brentford, and he got a goal and an assist. He then followed that up with another goal in the Champions League, albeit a penalty.

“It will be a real setback that red card.

Wenham then added: “Longer term, he (Simons) has to be involved. He was a long-term transfer signing; he is on big money; he took the number seven shirt off Son. He is basically the poster boy of the club moving forward.

“We haven’t seen much of him yet, and it was really frustrating that red card the other day.

“But the interesting thing is that he is now going to be out for three games, Sarr is away at AFCON.

“In terms of midfield positions on the bench, he may have a crack at one of the promising youngsters like Luca Williams-Barnett, who could get promoted into the first-team squad and maybe get an opportunity off the bench, which would be exciting for him.”

How has Williams-Barnett been performing in Tottenham’s academy?

According to Fotmob on 23 December, Williams-Barnett has been excellent in Spurs’ academy.

In the Premier League 2 this season, he is averaging 0.90 goals and 3.58 shots per match.

On top of this, he is picking up 0.60 assists and creating 3.28 chances every 90 minutes.

Therefore, it appears obvious why Frank has one eye on the youngster as he looks to utilise Spurs’ academy set-up.

Hopefully, Williams-Barnett will be given a chance in the first team over the festive period as he aims to show Frank how good he can be.

Tottenham may have lost 2-1 to Liverpool on the weekend, but many Spurs players put in a valiant display.

Despite being down to nine players, the North London outfit were perhaps unlucky to lose in the end as they pinned the Reds back in search of an equaliser late on.

While this never occurred, it was a far more encouraging performance compared to some of their recent losses.

One of the standouts of the tie was Djed Spence, who has had a mixed season at Tottenham to date.

Against Liverpool, the full-back was fantastic, particularly in attack, as he looks to get into the England squad for the World Cup.

John Wenham: Thomas Tuchel will be impressed with Djed Spence’s performance vs Liverpool

With the World Cup now just around the corner, many players are attempting to make a late push to get into the squad.

Spence is one such star, with the full-back earning his first caps under Thomas Tuchel after making his England debut in August.

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While Spence has had some poor games recently for Tottenham, he returned to his best in the Liverpool match as Thomas Frank’s side narrowly lost.

Watching the match, Spurs expert John Wenham was quick to highlight the full-back’s contribution as he remains convinced that Tuchel will be impressed with the display.

He exclusively told Football Insider: “Djed Spence was outstanding. Multiple times yesterday he was running at the defence.

“It was really promising forward play from Djed. He will have impressed Thomas Tuchel, and I think there is a position there, at left-back, with a spot in the World Cup up for grabs.

“With Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal and I know Hall is back at Newcastle now, but there is not an abundance of English left-backs.

“I feel like there is an opportunity for Djed to stake a claim for himself, and based on the performance (against Liverpool), he will have done that.”

How good was Spence vs Liverpool?

According to Fotmob on 23 December, Spence had a solid game against Liverpool.

The full-back completed 80 per cent of his passes, created one chance and had one shot on target.

Now, Frank will be hoping Spence can continue this form ahead of their tie against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Tottenham are in dire need of a victory, and if the full-back can replicate this performance, it will give Spurs a great chance of taking three points.

Micky van de Ven has faced criticism after his tackle on Saturday led to Alexander Isak suffering a suspected broken leg.

Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but were left reeling after the game following the news that their £125million man will face an extended period on the injury table.

Van de Ven had attempted to block the Swede’s opening goal, but only made contact with the attacker in a challenge that forced him off.

Scans are now expected to confirm the news that Isak has fractured his leg and is expected to miss around three months of action.

Xavi Simons was sent off against Liverpool in the same game, after a late raking tackle on Virgil van Dijk‘s calf.

Frank Leboeuf slams Micky van de Ven

Van de Ven’s tackle did not receive much attention in the moment, with it appearing to be just a regular attempted block.

Isak felt the pain immediately, barely even looking up to see that he had scored before he winced and grabbed at his leg.

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Replays showed that Van de Ven had slid in a scissor motion, making contact with the striker’s lower leg, and the challenge has faced closer inspection following news of the injury.

Speaking to ESPN on Sunday, former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf said: “I love the way Micky van de Ven is behaving and the way he plays football, and I love the player, but he has to be punished.

“I’m sorry, you cannot get out of that when you broke the leg of somebody. You take a chance, you’re a defender. I was a defender and never injured any player.

“You can tackle, you can be hard, but you have to know and be in control of what you do. And, I’m sorry, in that manner, and the result says a lot, Van de Ven was not in control.

“And for me, that’s maybe unfortunate, but something has to come out. He cannot again be released with nothing after that tackle.”

Former PGMOL Chief weighs in on Van de Ven challenge

Following the goal, referee John Brooks did not pay any attention to Van de Ven, nor did the video assistant referee.

And neither did any Liverpool player, for that matter, with the main concern being with the safety of Isak.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett said: “Frankly, in reviewing this clip, I believe that the Tottenham player has made a genuine attempt to play the ball.

“The VAR in its operational role will have checked the lead-up to and the scoring of the goal. Clearly both the Referee and VAR were happy for the goal to stand and that no offence had taken place.

“The only route available to Liverpool is to go down the legal route.”

Whether the Reds would want to engage in a legal situation in this case, remains to be seen over the coming weeks.