Crystal Palace begin to understand why Spurs were eager to move Brennan Johnson on
Crystal Palace are now getting a clearer picture of why Tottenham Hotspur were so willing to sanction Brennan Johnson’s exit.
The £35m January signing has struggled to justify his price tag since arriving at Selhurst Park, with his attacking output remaining underwhelming. In nearly four months at the club, Johnson is yet to score and has managed just two assists in 19 appearances.
Against West Ham on Monday, he again failed to make the decisive impact. He missed a gilt-edged headed chance from close range after a fine cross from Jefferson Lerma, sending the effort wide in what was arguably the clearest opportunity of the match. Moments like that have become a recurring theme in his early Palace career — promising positions, but no end product.
He also picked up a needless yellow card, although there were brief flashes of quality, including one sharp effort that drifted narrowly wide after linking up with Yeremy Pino. Overall, however, his influence remained limited.
Manager Oliver Glasner attempted to highlight progress, praising Johnson’s movement and defensive contribution, suggesting his performances are improving even if the final output is still missing. But beneath that optimism lies a broader concern: Palace invested heavily for attacking impact, not just off-the-ball work.
Johnson’s profile has raised tactical questions as well. Used to playing as a wide attacker, he now operates in a narrower system that doesn’t fully suit his strengths. While he can deliver quality crosses and make attacking runs, he is yet to consistently show the directness and goal threat that justified his £35m valuation.
For now, the former Tottenham forward looks short of confidence and end product — and Palace are beginning to feel the weight of a signing that has yet to deliver, while Spurs may feel quietly vindicated in their decision to let him go.
