Crystal Palace have signed Brennan Johnson in a £35million transfer from Tottenham, in what is a club-record fee.
Johnson has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Eagles and will wear the No 11 shirt.
He will be eligible to make his Palace debut against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old’s future at Tottenham had been in doubt after failing to nail down a starting berth since Thomas Frank took charge this season.
And Palace have beaten off Premier League competition for his signature – with Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Everton having also been his suitors.
However, after holding talks with the Palace hierarchy and manager Oliver Glasner on New Year’s Day, Johnson decided to swap north London for south-east London.
Brennan Johnson ‘super excited’ to join Crystal Palace
‘I’m really excited and I’m really happy. Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I’ve always admired,’ the Wales international told the club’s official website.
‘It’s a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on – I’m super excited.’
For Glasner, the signing signals a statement of intent – having yearned for reinforcements since the summer transfer window was shut.
‘I’m really delighted that Brennan has joined the club,’ he said. ‘He arrives very early in the window, so credit to the club for making this happen so quickly.
‘Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability and with all the upcoming games he will be a valuable addition to the squad.’
Brennan Johnson’s Tottenham legacy
Johnson was Tottenham’s leading scorer last season with 18 goals. However, they willing to sell a player, who cost £47.5m from Nottingham Forest, at a loss as he was not part of Frank’s long-term plans.
His last game for Spurs was on December 28, coming on as a second-half substitute to help the visitors secure a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
Johnson leaves Tottenham having scored 27 goals in 107 appearances in all competitions for the club.
He will go down in Tottenham’s folklore for ending their 17-year wait for silverware with his matchwinner in the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao last season.
