Everton and Newcastle United are reportedly set to be rivalled by Brentford in the race to sign Nottingham Forest prodigy Brennan Johnson.
According to the Independent, Brentford have entered the race to sign Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Brennan Johnson, who is also a transfer target for Everton and Newcastle United.
A product of the Nottingham Forest academy, Johnson has been on the club’s books since 2009 and made rapid strides through the youth ranks. The Welsh prodigy made his first-team debut for the Reds in August 2019 and then had a loan spell away at Lincoln City last season, where he had a huge impact.
Indeed, Johnson racked up a tally of 13 goals and 14 assists from 48 games for Lincoln City, earning a spot in the Nottingham Forest lineup upon his return from the loan stint. And the 20-year-old has enjoyed a fine 2021/22 campaign for the EFL Championship outfit.
The versatile attacking midfielder, who can play as a No. 10 or on the flanks, or even as a striker, has netted 16 goals and set up nine for his teammates from 46 games in all competitions. It has made clubs from the Premier League sit up and take notice of Johnson’s potential and talent, with several teams vying to sign him, including Everton and Newcastle United.
Everton have struggled in the final third this term with Richarlison being inconsistent and Dominic Calvert-Lewin hampered by injuries. Anthony Gordon has shown potential but is still raw, whereas Demarai Gray has faded after a bright start. So, adding a player like Brennan Johnson, who can play anywhere in the attacking third and be a source of goals and assists, would be a no-brainer for Frank Lampard’s side.
As for Newcastle United, they are also looking to address the overreliance on Allan Saint-Maximin for the creative spark in the final third. Bruno Guimaraes has proven to be a fine addition since arriving in January. But a player of Brennan Johnson’s potential and versatility would be an asset, especially given Eddie Howe’s track record of working with young talents.
However, Everton and Newcastle United are now having to battle Brentford in the race to sign the 20-year-old, who has nine caps for the Wales national team. The Bees are likely to lose Christian Eriksen in the summer with his contract expiring and several top clubs sizing up a move for the Dane.
The report states that Brentford have taken the lead in the race for Johnson, having already presented him with personal terms. However, a deal is not done yet as his representatives have held productive talks with Everton. Moreover, further discussions will take place with Newcastle United, Leicester City and La Liga club Villarreal.
Johnson’s current contract with Nottingham Forest expires in 2023, and he is unlikely to sign a new contract unless they get promoted. The Welsh international is expected to cost around £20-25 million. And it remains to be seen who comes out on top in the race to sign the Welsh prodigy.
