Alan Pardew has already stated why Brennan Johnson is ‘perfect’ for Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner has been given the green light by a figure rather well known at Selhurst Park over their deal for Brennan Johnson.
Despite scoring the winner in the Europa League final against Man United last season, Johnson has long been linked with a Tottenham exit, and now it appears to be happening for £35million.
For that price, the Tottenham star is set to become Palace’s most expensive signing, overtaking the fee paid for Christian Benteke in 2016 – £32million.
Thomas Frank is clearly planning a lot ahead of the January transfer window, and while there is more dead wood in the squad after the Welshman, it is an early deal that a lot of supporters saw coming.
The news has been relatively well received at Selhurst Park, but with Alan Pardew now making his feelings clear on the move, it is clear that Glasner has quite a player on his hands.
Crystal Palace given the green light ahead of Brennan Johnson deal
Pardew was in charge of the Eagles between 2015 and 2016, where he recorded a 40 per cent win-rate and reached the FA Cup final, though they were beaten to the title by Man United.
Speaking to Sky Sports News (30 December), he said: “I think it’ll be slightly different to the Spurs role because he [Glasner] plays two No.10s at Crystal Palace. He’ll become the right of those two.
“And that’s where they’ve had a deficiency in scoring. I think it’s perfect for Palace, I really do. The finances and everything else, I’m sure, are being finalised. If you’re a Crystal Palace fan, you’d be absolutely delighted with that.”
It seems only a matter of time before a deal is reached between all parties. Now, with Pardew explaining how the winger could be utilised by the Eagles, more fans will be keen for the move to be announced.
What has Thomas Frank said about Johnson’s exit?
Unsurprisingly, Frank has kept rather quiet about the winger’s impending exit, stating that the Welshman should be involved against Brentford on Thursday, 1 January.
Speaking in his press conference, the manager said, “Brennan has been a top professional. He trained very well. I fully expect him to be available and able to play against Brentford.”
Glasner has also spoken about his desire for more goals, but unless he is backed in the transfer window, the Eagles could continue to slip down the Premier League table this season.
After a bright start, Palace are now sitting ninth in the standings, having won none of their last three league matches, which has not been helped by a struggle in front of goal.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yeremy Pino have both hit a rough patch, while Isamaila Sarr is away at AFCON, making a new forward signing all the more important at Selhurst Park next month.