Aston Villa eyeing Tottenham ace Brennan Johnson amid Crystal Palace competition
Aston Villa are closely monitoring Brennan Johnson's situation at Tottenham Hotspur and could make a move for the Wales international in January. With Johnson's future uncertain at Spurs, Villa see him as a strategic target to enhance their attacking options.
Aston Villa are keeping a close watch on Brennan Johnson’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Midlands club expected to weigh up a potential move should the Wales international become available in 2026. While no formal approach has been made, TEAMtalk reports that Villa would be prepared to assess a deal if Spurs show a genuine willingness to part ways with a player who has slipped down the pecking order under Thomas Frank.Johnson’s long-term future in north London has grown increasingly uncertain. Tottenham are continuing to reshape their squad as part of an ambitious plan aimed at elevating them back into consistent title and Champions League contention, and that process has inevitably placed some established names under scrutiny. At 24, Johnson remains firmly in what should be the most productive phase of his career. From the summer of 2026, he will have just two years remaining on his current contract, a detail that could encourage Tottenham to listen to offers rather than risk diminishing leverage further down the line. While Spurs have not made a final decision, it is widely expected that enquiries will arrive as clubs seek clarity on his status. Johnson’s numbers at Tottenham underline why interest persists. He has scored 27 goals and registered 18 assists since arriving, a solid return for a player who has not always been guaranteed a starting role. Last season, he finished as the club’s leading scorer with 18 goals, yet this campaign has told a different story. He has started only six Premier League matches and has not found the net since the second game of the season, a stark contrast to his previous output. That downturn in form, combined with tactical shifts under Frank, has raised questions about whether Johnson still fits the long-term vision in north London.Villa’s interest is rooted in strategy rather than urgency. Under Unai Emery, the club have developed a reputation for identifying elite-level talents who may need a fresh environment to rediscover their best football. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott have all been considered or brought in under a broader policy of targeting players with proven pedigree and untapped upside. Johnson fits that profile neatly. Premier League-tested, versatile across the front line and still young enough to evolve, he represents the type of calculated gamble Villa have been willing to make. There is also a belief that his availability could come at a more accessible price, potentially even via a loan arrangement, should Tottenham look for flexibility rather than a definitive sale. Villa’s impressive campaign has only strengthened their hand. Firmly in the mix for a top-four finish and even whispering distance of a title challenge, the club are planning well ahead, with recruitment discussions already extending into 2026 and beyond. Villa are not alone in monitoring Johnson’s situation. Crystal Palace have also been linked with an interest, setting up the possibility of competition should Tottenham signal a readiness to negotiate.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAny serious move for Johnson could be closely linked to Villa’s current situation with Elliott. The Liverpool loanee has struggled to make an impact since arriving, managing just five appearances this season. Emery has been unusually candid in public, hinting that Elliott may not feature again, a stance that has raised eyebrows given the expectations surrounding his arrival. Behind the scenes, there is growing acceptance that Elliott’s signing was driven by former sporting director Monchi, who departed Villa shortly after the deal was completed. Emery has remained unconvinced by Elliott’s adaptation to the physical and tactical demands of Villa’s system. With Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations also a pressing concern, triggering a £35m obligation for a player not central to the manager’s plans has been viewed as an unnecessary risk. While Liverpool do not possess a recall option, Villa are understood to be actively exploring ways to send Elliott back to Anfield in the January window. Should that exit materialise, it would open a clear pathway for Villa to reassess their attacking options, potentially placing Johnson firmly in their sights.
The Brennan Johnson Situation at Tottenham
Brennan Johnson's status at Tottenham Hotspur has come under scrutiny as the club undergoes a squad revamp to elevate their competitiveness. At 24, Johnson is entering his prime years and may be available for offers in 2026, with Spurs likely open to negotiations if the right opportunity arises.
Aston Villa's Strategic Interest
Aston Villa's interest in Johnson is part of their strategy to target talented players who could thrive in a new environment. With a track record of successful recruitment, Villa view Johnson as a potential addition who can bolster their attacking options, especially given his Premier League experience and versatility.
Competition from Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace also have their eyes on Brennan Johnson, setting up a potential bidding war if Tottenham decide to sell. Villa will need to navigate this competition to secure Johnson's services, showcasing their determination to strengthen the squad.
Elliott's Situation and Its Impact
Harvey Elliott's struggles at Villa could lead to his departure in January, creating a vacancy that Johnson could fill. As Villa assess Elliott's future, a move to send him back to Liverpool might pave the way for Johnson's arrival, aligning with Villa's forward-thinking recruitment approach.






