Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be major buyers in the summer 2025 transfer window with a Champions League return on the horizon and a new coach set to replace Ange Postecoglou. Spurs are close to agreeing to terms with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who already has designs on bringing multiple stars from the Bees to Spurs.
But Tottenham aren't hiring Frank just to buy the players he wants from Brentford and elsewhere. Even under a very stingy chairman in Daniel Levy, Tottenham will be doing buying. But they are also hiring Frank because of his track record at coaching young players and bringing out the most productive version of up-and-coming attackers.
Welsh international Brennan Johnson was the surprising league leader in goals for Tottenham last season with 11, outscoring more experienced players in superstar Son Heung-min and 60 million pound strikers Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.
It was Johnson, of course, who scored the winning goal in the Europa League Final against Manchester United, following up his uncanny trademark of always being in the right place at the right time.
Brennan Johnson made his presence felt
Although Wales lost this World Cup qualification match, Johnson was a bright spot in the 4-3 defeat to Belgium. Not only did the 24-year-old score a goal for Wales, but he also had a good all-around game for his country, which has commonly been a steep criticism of Johnson's at Tottenham; he's there for the goals but does little else that you'd want from a winger.
Johnson had a key pass, a dribble completed, three fouls drawn, and even three combined tackles and interceptions in an eye-catching performance that, had it not been for some atrocious defending from his teammates, would normally be a matchwinning one.
It came at a great time, too, as Tottenham will be welcoming Frank soon, and Johnson could play an even bigger role under the new coach than he did under Postecoglou. That's because Frank actaully tried to bring Johnson to Brentford before Spurs ambitiously outbid the Bees for the young Welshman.
Johnson's display against Belgium is one that Frank will undoubtedly have taken notice of, and the 24-year-old could be a crucial player on the right wing for the new coach, especially if, as expected, Spurs aren't willing or able to outbid Manchester United for Frank's Brentford right winger Bryan Mbeumo. Tottenham need their young talents to take the next step in 2025/26, and the onus will be on Johnson to improve his all-around game.