Brennan Johnson set for decisive talks with Palace boss Glasner

Brennan Johnson is set to speak with Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner on Thursday as the winger considers a £35m move from Tottenham, with the clubs already understood to have agreed a fee.

BBC Sport reports there is a growing expectation the transfer will be completed, but Palace are still waiting for Johnson’s final approval before concluding the deal.

Johnson’s meeting with Glasner is expected to centre on how he would be used within Palace’s attacking structure and how the club see their future developing under the Austrian coach. Palace want clarity and commitment before moving to the final stage of the deal, particularly given Johnson’s importance to their January plans.

The 24-year-old is Palace’s top attacking target this window, with the club keen to complete business early. Internally, there is belief that Johnson’s pace, work rate and Premier League experience align well with Glasner’s tactical demands, but the manager is understood to want direct dialogue with the player before proceeding.

Tottenham’s openness to a sale has been evident for several weeks. Johnson was Spurs’ leading scorer last season with 18 goals and produced a defining moment in Europe by scoring the winning goal in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.

Despite those contributions, Johnson is not viewed as a long-term cornerstone under head coach Thomas Frank. Spurs are willing to reshape their attacking options, and Palace’s £35m agreement reflects that shift in direction rather than a lack of appreciation for Johnson’s output.

From Palace’s perspective, Johnson represents an immediate upgrade in attacking depth and versatility. He is capable of operating wide or closer to a central striker, offering Glasner tactical flexibility across competitions.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions until Thursday’s discussions conclude and the role is formally agreed.

If Johnson leaves Thursday’s meeting satisfied with Palace’s sporting plan, the transfer is expected to accelerate quickly. Personal terms, medical checks and registration would follow, with Palace hopeful of integrating him into the squad as soon as possible. Tottenham, meanwhile, would turn their attention to reshaping their forward depth once the deal is completed.

Would Brennan Johnson be the signing that elevates Crystal Palace’s attacking threat for the second half of the season — or are there smarter options they should be targeting instead?