Thomas Frank not satisfied with Spurs hero ahead of key exit 'decision'

A recent report has suggested that one of Spurs’ top players is struggling to keep himself in Thomas Frank’s plans, and is thought to be at risk of being sold despite having over two years left on his current deal.

Brennan Johnson signed for Spurs in 2023, joining in the same summer as former boss Ange Postecoglou.

But while the winger shone under the Australian, becoming a key player in the Premier League and scoring the winner in the 2025 Europa League final, it appears that Frank has not been that impressed.

Despite scoring in Frank’s first two league games in charge, Johnson has found himself battling for game time in N17, starting just three times in the Premier League since the October international break.

Now, a fresh claim suggests Spurs may already be planning for a future without him.

According to TEAMtalk, it has been noted that Johnson has ‘yet to fully convince’ the new Spurs setup of his qualities, and they could therefore be planning to make a decision over his future before the 2025/26 season is out.

This is to ensure that, in the event he is allowed to leave, Spurs can accrue a decent fee for him.

Costing over £45m in September 2023, Johnson’s contract will only have two years left once the season is over.

Therefore, despite its expiry being quite a while away, the prime opportunity to cash in is on the near horizon.

Still only 24 and having had a relatively successful time at Spurs, it wouldn’t be particularly surprising if the Lilywhites receive a bid that allows them to break even.

But given his status in the team prior to Frank’s arrival and potential to improve, it does come across as a bit of a shock that he has been earmarked as a possible sale.

That said, it was suggested that Spurs ‘expect no difficulty attracting interest’ for the winger hoping to feature at next summer’s World Cup for Wales.

TEAMtalk went on to say that Spurs could yet buy competition for Johnson as early as this coming January, which, it could be argued, means that Frank’s mind has largely been made up.

That seems surprising, not least given their indifferent start under the Dane and the fact that Johnson was the top scorer in a woefully underachieving Spurs team on the domestic front last term.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.