Tottenham are confident they can secure a replacement for Johnson, with the player being likened to Gareth Bale for his electric style of play.
Tottenham Hotspur must show clear improvement in the second half of the 2025/26 season. Sitting 13th in the Premier League at the midway point, Spurs are still struggling to establish a clear identity or culture under Thomas Frank.
It’s worth noting that the Danish coach inherited a difficult situation. Despite winning the Europa League, Spurs ended last season in 17th place under Ange Postecoglou, leaving Frank with a major rebuilding task in N17. However, he has not helped his cause so far, particularly with the team’s lack of attacking fluency. That has to change quickly, and the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace represents an initial move in that direction.
Spurs lining up a Brennan Johnson replacement
Johnson was the unlikely hero in Bilbao, scoring the decisive goal against Manchester United to secure long-awaited silverware. It was his 18th goal of the campaign, but his form has dipped sharply since then.
While the Welshman has a natural instinct for goals, his all-round performances have failed to convince, which is why Frank was prepared to sanction his departure. With Johnson gone, Tottenham are now in need of a replacement.
According to Caught Offside, Spurs are increasingly confident they could revive their long-standing interest in Manchester City winger Savinho. The Brazilian’s future at the Etihad appears uncertain as Pep Guardiola looks to bring in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Tottenham made an enquiry last summer without success, but circumstances may now allow a deal to be done — albeit at a sizeable cost of around £63m.
Why Savinho could shine at Spurs
Manchester City signed Savinho from sister club Troyes for roughly £31m in 2024, and he made a strong impression during his first season in English football, bringing pace, energy and creativity. His influence has faded this term, largely due to limited opportunities, having started just six Premier League matches.
Despite that, the 21-year-old still ranks in the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, and in the top 1% for progressive carries per 90 minutes over the past year, according to FBref. These numbers highlight his immense athleticism and attacking potential.
City-focused content creator Steve McInerney has praised Savinho’s “electric turn of pace,” and his skillset suggests he could become a standout winger at Tottenham. Some aspects of his game have even drawn comparisons to Gareth Bale during the Welsh icon’s peak years.
Bale, one of the finest players of his generation, left Spurs for Real Madrid in a world-record move in 2013 before returning briefly in 2020/21. Savinho is not yet at that level, but he is undoubtedly one of the quickest and most dynamic wide players around, sharing certain traits with the former Tottenham star.
A comparison with Johnson over the past year further underlines the difference, with Savinho offering far more in ball progression, creativity and attacking involvement. Analyst Ben Mattinson has also highlighted the Brazilian’s ability to glide past defenders and produce finishes reminiscent of those Bale was famous for.
Savinho still has plenty of development ahead of him, but his eight assists from just 21 Premier League starts in his debut season point to his quality. It’s also worth remembering that Bale himself took time to truly flourish after arriving from Southampton.
If Tottenham can secure Savinho’s signature and maximise his abilities, they may finally rediscover the attacking spark and intent that has been missing for far too long.
