Thomas Frank states that Brennan Johnson is on course to feature for Tottenham against Brentford on 1 January, despite strong transfer speculation. Reports indicate Crystal Palace have an agreement with Spurs over a 35m fee, while Bournemouth also monitor the winger’s situation as the January window approaches.
Crystal Palace are reported to have settled terms with Tottenham for the Wales international, yet Johnson has not decided whether to leave for another London club. The Brentford match on New Year’s Day therefore looks set to go ahead with Johnson available, even as discussions over the future continue in the background.
Frank declines to engage with talk around Johnson’s next move and keeps focus on squad matters. "There are rumours out
there. In general, I won't comment on that, no matter if we want to sign or sell a player or get a staff member in or out. I have no interest in commenting either way. "
Across this Premier League campaign, Johnson starts only six of 16 matches for Tottenham, scoring twice in those league outings. The winger also records one goal in the EFL Cup and another in the Champions League. The 24-year-old previously delivers the winner in Spurs' Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May.
Thats a wrap for 2025 Your support this year has meant everything Thank you to @elfcosmeticsuk for bringing the joint photoshoot to life pic.twitter.com/kn9ssWUbhETottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 30, 2025
Frank highlights Johnson’s influence within the Tottenham group, pointing to both performance and attitude. "He [Johnson] contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace. He trained very well. I fully expect him to be available and able to play against Brentford. Brennan is a very important player for us. Sometimes things change if another player comes in. Unfortunately, Kudus came in for him and played on the right side and has done well, so it's been more tricky to get enough starts. He started the season also quite well from the left. Brennan has a lot of attributes. Very good running in behind, very good at scoring goals. That's a good quality. So, some of those key things are fantastic, also working hard for the team. But you need more than 11 players. Brennan has been a top professional. He's ready for the game in two days' time. "
The arrival of Mohammed Kudus during the summer window reshapes Tottenham’s attacking options, with Kudus preferred on the right side. Johnson, who begins the season operating from the left flank, therefore faces reduced minutes and greater competition. Frank notes that tactical choices, rather than loss of faith, sit behind the limited starting opportunities.
Johnson’s attributes remain central to Tottenham’s planning for the Brentford meeting, even as transfer talks develop. Frank stresses Johnson’s movement behind defences, finishing skill and work rate as qualities still valued within the squad. The final decision over a switch to Crystal Palace, or interest from Bournemouth, is unresolved, yet Johnson is expected to contribute on 1 January.
