Tottenham did not replace Brennan Johnson after selling him to Crystal Palace in the winter transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur are facing challenges under Thomas Frank, and the lack of spending in the January transfer window hasn’t helped their situation.
Conor Gallagher and Souza were the only new players added to the first team. Meanwhile, Spurs strengthened their Under-21 squad by signing James Wilson from Hearts on loan, after Arsenal attempted to recruit him. The deal includes an option to buy at the end of the season.
Despite ongoing injuries, Tottenham offered little support to Frank in the transfer market, frustrating supporters. This came after the club received £35 million from the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace at the beginning of the winter window.
Thomas Frank discusses Tottenham’s decision to sell Brennan Johnson without a replacement
Brennan Johnson joined Spurs for £47.5 million from Nottingham Forest in summer 2023 and scored the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United, ending a 17-year trophy drought for the club. However, this season, his playing time was limited, with most of his 22 appearances coming off the bench.
With Johnson becoming less critical to the squad, the club took the chance to sell him as several teams showed interest, with Crystal Palace being the most eager. Despite expectations to sign a replacement, no move was made.
When asked about the decision to sell Johnson during a press conference before the Manchester United match, Frank replied: “There are many factors involved when deciding to sell or buy a player. Right now, we have five players available for our front three, which is a reasonable number.”
“Once Richy returns, we’ll have six, and when Mo is back, it will be seven. Looking at it this way, I think we’re okay.”
Frank’s response appeared to defend his decision regarding Johnson’s sale. At the time of the sale, Tottenham already had limited options on the wings, and injuries to Kudus and Richarlison further reduced attacking choices.
With none of Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, and Randal Kolo Muani consistently performing well in front of goal, the club management’s failure to strengthen the attack was questionable. Many are now hoping that not replacing Johnson doesn’t lead to issues for Frank and the club in the future.