Three reasons why this Welsh international needs to replace Harry Kane at Spurs
By Phil Taylor
It is looking more and more likely that Harry Kane will be departing his boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur and that will leave Spurs quite light up front. With Bayern Munich the likely destination for Kane despite interest from PSG, Spurs only have youngster Troy Parrott as the only recognized out-and-out striker in their squad, who has just returned from a loan spell at Preston North End. However, their attention has been turned to Nottingham Forest as they look at Brennan Johnson as an alternative striker to fit into new manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Which Forest striker has taken the London club’s fancy?
If Kane is to leave, then Spurs are very interested in bringing in a striker who has Premier League experience. 22-year-old Brennan Johnson is the latest player to fit the bill as a replacement for the England captain.
Although Brennan Johnson is not as prolific as Kane, there is a vision idea for Spurs, who are going to have to look to the future with the side failing to deliver since their major heyday under Mauricio Pochettino.
1. Brennan Johnson knows where the back of the net is
Brennan Johnson was one of the major stars in the Championship when Forest gained promotion, and many of the big teams were looking at his talent then. A move to Manchester United was mooted, but nothing materialized for the striker who scored 16 Championship goals.
With Forest adapting to life in the Premier League and allowing time for their players to gel after making a wholesale amount of changes in the summer in an attempt to avoid relegation, it did take Brennan Johnson time to get scoring, but he ended the season with eight league goals helping Forest survive.
2. Counterattack qualities
It is not only his goalscoring threat that interests Spurs but his quick feet and ability to dribble past defenders with ease. He can also execute a counterattack extremely well with that proving extremely well playing for a side lower down in the Premier League.
With Spurs already building a quick side with the likes of Son and Richarlison in attack, Brennan Johnson would fit the mould perfectly.
3. Long-term investment
This is not the first time Brennan Johnson has been subject to a bid from another Premier League club this summer, as Brentford were ready to smash their transfer record and sign the Wales international for £35 million.
However, that is nowhere near the price tag Forest has slapped on his head. They want a bid much closer to £50 million as they believe they have one of the most exciting talents in the league.
It is a tactic to keep clubs away from their main man, but if Spurs lose Kane for £100+ million, then they will certainly be knocking on the door of Nottingham Forest as he could be a star for years to come, and £50 million could be a small investment if they want to compete with trophies.