Tottenham’s first January transfer decided as Brennan Johnson replaced with £60m star
Tottenham Hotspur have wasted little time getting to work in the January transfer window, which officially opened just hours ago. Spurs are already lining up their first major piece of business, with Brennan Johnson poised to complete a move to Crystal Palace in a deal worth around £35 million.
The Wales international is expected to undergo a medical imminently, bringing an end to a mixed spell in north London. While Johnson enjoyed some memorable moments in a Spurs shirt, including his decisive goal in last season’s Europa League final, his overall performances have failed to convince large sections of the fanbase. His impending departure will hand head coach Thomas Frank a significant transfer kitty to reinvest, offering the Dane an immediate opportunity to reshape his squad in his own image.
Frank has endured a challenging start to life in the Tottenham dugout, with consistency proving elusive and concerns mounting over the balance of his midfield and attack. Supporters have been vocal in their belief that the central areas of the pitch lack a composed, technically gifted presence, but replacing Johnson’s pace and directness in the final third will also be high on the agenda. With £35 million now available to spend, Express Sport has identified three priority targets who could headline Spurs’ January recruitment drive.
Jack McEachen – Savinho
Savinho’s future remains a point of intrigue after Tottenham came close to securing his signature from Manchester City during the summer window. Despite the Brazilian winger signing a new contract at the Etihad in October, his situation has not materially improved.
City’s pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in a deal reportedly worth £65 million could further complicate matters for Savinho, who already faces fierce competition for minutes under Pep Guardiola. The prospect of even fewer opportunities may prompt the 20-year-old to reconsider his options, and Spurs could once again emerge as a serious contender.
Savinho’s versatility would make him an attractive option for Frank. Comfortable on either flank, he offers elite dribbling ability, creativity in one-on-one situations and the kind of unpredictability Tottenham currently lack. Outside of Mohammed Kudus and the still-developing Wilson Odobert, Spurs have few natural wide players capable of consistently beating defenders. Revisiting a deal that nearly materialised six months ago could prove to be a smart piece of business.
Charlie Malam – Yan Diomande
With Johnson seemingly on his way out, the need for a dynamic attacking replacement is becoming increasingly urgent. One of the most exciting options on the market is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international is valued between £50 million and £60 million, but his talent justifies the price tag. Diomande possesses explosive pace, exceptional dribbling with both feet and the versatility to operate across the front line. Crucially, he also delivers end product — a quality that sets him apart from many young wide players.
In many ways, Diomande represents a more attainable version of Athletic Club star Nico Williams. Spurs would face stiff competition for his signature, meaning a decisive move in January could be required. However, if Tottenham can secure him for a fee lower than what they were prepared to pay Manchester City for Savinho last summer, it would mark a major statement of intent and arguably the most significant transfer coup of the post-Daniel Levy era.
Archie Griggs – Alex Scott
While attacking reinforcements are vital, Tottenham’s struggles in midfield remain impossible to ignore. A lack of control, tempo and creativity in the centre of the pitch has repeatedly undermined their performances this season, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has emerged as a potential solution.
The England Under-21 international continues to develop with each campaign and still has substantial room for growth, while already possessing the maturity to influence matches at Premier League level. His energy, technical quality and intelligence in possession would add much-needed balance to Frank’s midfield.
Scott would represent a clear upgrade in the engine room and could immediately challenge for a starting role, particularly with Rodrigo Bentancur struggling to recapture his best form. Bringing the young Englishman to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could address one of the squad’s most pressing weaknesses and lay the foundations for a more controlled and progressive midfield going forward.