According to reports, Crystal Palace have completed the first player signing of the 2026 January transfer window in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace have acted early in the January 2026 transfer window, reaching an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Welsh winger Brennan Johnson for £35 million. The fee has been finalised following extensive club-to-club negotiations, with the move now awaiting Johnson’s final approval.
The 24-year-old has been a key figure for Spurs since his £47.5 million move from Nottingham Forest in 2023, scoring 27 goals in 107 appearances, including a memorable Europa League final winner. However, his role has diminished this season under Thomas Frank, with Johnson limited to just six Premier League starts.
Palace see Johnson as a major reinforcement as they push to strengthen their squad for both domestic competition and European ambitions. The Eagles have moved ahead of Bournemouth and Everton, who were also tracking the winger, and are positioned to complete the deal as soon as the window officially opens.
The transfer is closely linked to wider market movement, with Manchester City on the verge of completing the signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. City are expected to activate Semenyo’s £65 million release clause after his representatives arrived in Manchester to finalise contract terms, having already reached a verbal agreement. Interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham failed to materialise into formal bids, leaving City clear to proceed.
With Semenyo set to depart, Johnson has emerged as a prime replacement target across the league. Tottenham have given the green light for his exit, while Bournemouth have re-entered the race in a bid to fill the void left by Semenyo. Despite a hefty €40 million valuation, Palace remain confident Johnson’s pace, experience, and proven Premier League output justify the investment.
If finalised, Johnson’s arrival will stand as Crystal Palace’s first statement signing of the January 2026 transfer window.
