Ex Spurs star reveals “Done deal is now imminent for Spurs man with advanced talks
This development has emerged largely without warning and should be treated with a degree of caution, but there are increasingly strong rumours suggesting Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson could be on the move during the January transfer window. Crystal Palace are being heavily linked with the 24-year-old, and while no agreement has yet been finalised, the interest is considered genuine and continues to build momentum behind the scenes.
Former Tottenham striker Chris Armstrong, who enjoyed a lengthy spell at the club during the late 1990s and made 141 appearances in a Spurs shirt, has indicated that discussions between the clubs may be further along than many initially believed. According to Armstrong, negotiations are understood to be at a relatively advanced stage, adding weight to the speculation surrounding Johnson’s future.
Tottenham are believed to be open to allowing the Welsh international to leave should a suitable proposal arrive. The club’s valuation reportedly sits between £40 million and £50 million, broadly in line with the £47.5 million fee they paid Nottingham Forest to secure his services in the summer of 2023. However, Spurs are also realistic about the challenges of recouping that full amount, particularly given Johnson’s reduced role this season. As a result, loan options are now being considered as a possible alternative solution.
Manager Thomas Frank has publicly stated that he is “happy” with Johnson’s attitude and contribution, but he has also acknowledged the realities of squad management. With intense competition for places and a need to maintain depth across multiple competitions, minutes are not guaranteed for every player. Frank has also recognised that players naturally want consistent game time, something Johnson has struggled to secure so far this campaign.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are actively tracking the situation. Under manager Oliver Glasner, the club is keen to add attacking depth and sees Johnson as a player who could significantly strengthen their wide options. Palace are currently short in those areas, with Ismaila Sarr away at the Africa Cup of Nations and several injury concerns limiting their choices. Johnson’s pace, flexibility, and work rate make him an attractive fit for Glasner’s high-energy, pressing style of play, and Palace are thought to be the most advanced club in the race to sign him.
Despite enjoying a productive 2024/25 season — highlighted by scoring the winning goal in Tottenham’s Europa League final victory — Johnson has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League this term. Under Frank, he has started just six league matches and has largely been limited to substitute appearances. A January move could therefore prove beneficial, particularly with Wales’ World Cup qualification campaign on the horizon, as regular football would enhance his chances of maintaining a key role at international level.
Given the substantial fee Tottenham invested in Johnson, any permanent deal could see Crystal Palace break their transfer record, potentially surpassing the £32 million they paid Liverpool for Christian Benteke. That financial reality may influence whether the deal is structured as a loan with an option or obligation to buy.
Away from the transfer discussion, Chris Armstrong’s life after football has been far from smooth. In July 2016, he was arrested following a police raid at his West Kensington home, during which cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy were discovered. Armstrong later pleaded guilty to possession of both Class A and Class B substances at Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court and received a £375 fine, though he denied suffering from a drug dependency.
Several years later, in July 2021, Armstrong was involved in another incident in Chelsea, London, where he caused approximately £2,000 worth of criminal damage and assaulted supermarket staff after being refused service when attempting to purchase cigarettes. He admitted the offences at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the following January and was subsequently handed an 18-month community order in March. This included treatment for drug and alcohol-related issues, alongside court costs of £180.