Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson is reportedly being linked with a potential return to Nottingham Forest, just two years after his high-profile transfer to Spurs. Johnson, who joined Tottenham from Forest in 2023 for £47.5 million, has faced mixed fortunes in North London, sparking speculation about his future.
Signed as a replacement for Harry Kane, Johnson was brought in to bolster Tottenham’s attack following the England captain’s move to Bayern Munich. Despite moments of brilliance, including scoring 14 goals and providing three assists this season, the Welsh international has struggled to consistently meet fans’ expectations. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has been critical of Johnson, accusing him of failing to influence games enough despite his potential.
However, Johnson has shown resilience in overcoming criticism and remains a valuable asset in Ange Postecoglou’s squad. His versatility across the front line and ability to deliver in key moments have kept him relevant in Spurs’ plans.
Paul Taylor of The Athletic has suggested that Nottingham Forest could make a surprise move to bring Johnson back if they secure Champions League qualification this season. Taylor believes Johnson would be open to returning to his boyhood club under such circumstances. However, integrating him into Forest’s current setup could prove challenging, especially with Anthony Elanga excelling on the right flank.
Forest’s potential pursuit of Johnson would also depend on their financial flexibility and squad needs. While adding another quality forward could benefit the team, questions remain about whether Johnson fits into their long-term plans.
If Johnson were to leave Tottenham, the club would need to find a suitable replacement to maintain their attacking depth. However, with his contract running until 2029, Spurs are under no immediate pressure to sell and would likely demand a significant fee for the 23-year-old forward.
As speculation continues, much will depend on Nottingham Forest’s ability to secure European football and whether Spurs view Johnson as part of their long-term vision. For now, he remains an integral part of Tottenham’s squad as they aim for consistency in both domestic and European competitions.