Tottenham manager Thomas Frank agreed a £35m deal with Crystal Palace to sell Brennan Johnson and confirmed the team will be active in January, with the Wales international now in the process of making a decision on his immediate future.
The north London club have already shortlisted potential replacements in preparation for the Europa League hero’s departure, with multiple targets identified to fill the void left by last season’s top scorer.
Frank reiterated in today’s press conference that Spurs will begin looking for a new signing in January, following progress in negotiations with Palace on Monday.
Frank told reporters: “We will be in the market. We are definitely interested in strengthening the team if possible. We will do that.”
“As I’ve said several times before, things are important because there are different types that you can add to your team.
“The important thing is that the players we add need to be players that we really think can improve the team. And, as usual, if we want to have a sharp team, we can also let them go.”
Johnson has struggled to earn regular minutes under the Danish manager despite scoring 18 goals in all competitions last season, including the winner against Man United in the Europa League final that ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
Palace have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 24-year-old after securing favorable terms with Tottenham, but Bournemouth, Everton and Sunderland could also make a late move (Fabrizio Romano).
The Cherries, in particular, are prepared to take up Palace’s offer as they desperately seek a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is on the brink of joining Man City.
Johnson has started just six Premier League games this season after Mohamed Kudus arrived from West Ham and quickly established himself as Frank’s preferred right-wing option.
As the Welshman’s N17 departure approaches, Frank’s team is currently considering potential successors.
One of them could be RB Leipzig sensation Yann Diomande. He has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s outstanding talents and has enjoyed an impressive run so far in 2025/2026.
Yann Diomande’s camp hints at a move to Tottenham after negotiations
BBC journalist Sami Mokbel reported today that Diomande is on Spurs’ shortlist to replace Johnson, with TEAMtalk sharing further updates.
Sources say Tottenham have held “very advanced” discussions with Diomande’s inner circle about a potential move in January, as the north London club prepares to lose Johnson.
The 19-year-old is “firmly” on Frank’s radar to strengthen their attacking options with Johnson’s impending departure, and they have also scouted him extensively.
Furthermore, Diomande’s camp are thought to view Spurs as an “attractive destination” due to the playing time on offer.
The teenager has quickly made an impression in Germany since joining from Spanish side Leganes last summer.
Diomande has scored seven goals and provided four assists in all competitions this season and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the German top flight.
However, his current participation in AFCON with Ivory Coast could delay any potential transfer, with the winger unlikely to be available until mid-January at the earliest if his country progresses to the tournament.
Leipzig are also rated highly for the forward, with reports suggesting they would need to pay around £87m to secure his role.
“He’s a left winger with great speed, he can dribble, he’s very athletic and he can finish,” Leipzig manager Marcel Schäfer told reporters earlier this year.
“He also never lets go of the ball and works for the team. Despite all the excitement, we should give Jan enough time to get used to life in Leipzig and the Bundesliga.”
Ole Werner’s side negotiated a favorable sale last summer, so there is no immediate financial pressure, and Diomande’s contract runs until 2030 and does not include a release clause.
Competition for the winger’s signature remains fierce across Europe.
Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Barcelona have all shown interest in him in recent weeks, with several clubs, as well as Spurs, sending scouts to monitor his performances.
With Diomande’s head tilted, almost every top team in the country seems to be considering a move beyond the new year.
Tottenham ready to offer £35m immediately after selling star player for £20m
Spurs have been planning for quite some time…
