Johnson seals club-record Palace switch and set for Newcastle debut

Brennan Johnson is in line to make his Crystal Palace debut against Newcastle on Sunday after completing a club-record £35m transfer from Tottenham on Friday, Sport360NG reports.

The 24-year-old Wales forward had also attracted interest from Bournemouth, who were considering him as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo amid Manchester City’s pursuit of the Ghana international. However, discussions with Palace head coach Oliver Glasner on Thursday proved decisive in convincing Johnson to move to Selhurst Park.

“I’m really excited and really happy,” Johnson said. “Crystal Palace are a great club that I’ve always admired. It feels like the right time for me to be here and be part of the direction the club is heading in.”

The deal surpasses Palace’s previous transfer record of £27m, set with the signing of Christian Benteke from Liverpool in 2016.

Johnson joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m in 2023 and played a key role in last season’s Europa League triumph, scoring the decisive goal as Spurs ended a 17-year wait for a major trophy.

However, opportunities have been more limited this campaign under manager Thomas Frank, with Johnson registering four goals in 22 appearances, prompting the move in search of regular football.