Tottenham snubbed chance to sign Postecoglou favourite in favour of £47.5m player move
According to reports, Tottenham passed up the opportunity to sign a former Celtic forward in favor of finalizing a deal for Brennan Johnson on the final day of the transfer window.
On the last day of the transfer window, Spurs finally acquired Johnson from Nottingham Forest for £47.5 million after pursuing the Wales international for the most of the summer.
Johnson is one of the best young players in British football, according to Ange Postecoglou, and is ideal for north London’s system and style of play.
The Australian could have taken a different route by getting back together with a former Celtic star, though.
According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, Tottenham were informed that Jota, a forward for Saudi club Al Ittihad, had become available, and Postecoglou was even given the opportunity to reunite with the Portuguese winger once more.
Bailey nevertheless thinks that in Johnson, the north London team has an absolute gem on its hands.
Bailey said of the signing: “He’s a wonderful signing, in my opinion.
“It’s obvious that Ange wanted a player of this type, and they were also offered Jota, who might be returning from Saudi Arabia soon.
Johnson, in my opinion, is a phenomenal athlete who will win over the locals’ hearts and minds.
Johnson poised for Spurs starting role
When Postecoglou’s team hosts Sheffield United on September 16, after the international break, Johnson is anticipated to make his Tottenham debut.
Where he will slot into the Spurs lineup is the key question, but that may have been clarified at Burnley over the weekend.
Richarlison was replaced by Son Heung-min as the primary striker for that match, with Manor Solomon and Dejan Kulusevski playing the wide attacking positions.
Given that Son scored three goals, Postecoglou will almost certainly keep the South Korean in that position moving forward, which will allow Johnson to step into a broader role, likely ahead of Solomon.
The only thing left to determine is which of the two right wings will start on the left versus the Blades.
