According to The Athletic, as cited by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are in contention to sign Brennan Johnson. The Nottingham Forest starlet appears reluctant to pen a new contract extension with his current club, putting Leeds and Burnley on red alert. Nottingham’s failure to keep hold of Johnson could force them to cash in, with the player being valued at around £10 million.
Brennan Johnson’s Success At Nottingham Forest
Brennan Johnson is a local boy of Nottingham, who has enjoyed a swift rise to prominence over the last 12 months. A member of the Nottingham Forest youth academy since 2009, at the age of eight, his actual breakthrough came at Lincoln City last season.
In what was essentially a season-long loan deal, Johnson made a name for himself in League One, scoring ten goals and registering 12 assists in 40 league matches last term. His contributions in the final third helped Lincoln City finish fifth in the third-tier, though they were not able to secure promotion to the Championship.
The 20-year-old, nevertheless, turned many heads with his ability to run at defenders and cause havoc in the opposition flank. He is particularly known for his exquisite quite-feet, allowing him to maintain possession and squeeze through tight spaces. He is quite versatile as well, with the youngster being capable of operating almost anywhere in the final third.
Johnson’s exploits last season has caught the eye of Nottingham Forest, who are considering the local lad as a key part of their first team this term. But the winger, it seems, has drawn in scouts from other clubs, with Leeds United, in particular, ready to snap him up.
A Good Option For Leeds United?
Leeds United’s potential acquisition of Brennan Johnson could make a world of sense, as they do require a technical winger. The Nottingham starlet fits the bill perfectly due to his technical prowess and speed.
As such, Johnson could be an ideal alternative for the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison at Elland Road next season. His ability on the ball would offer greater variety to Leeds’ offensive play. But perhaps more importantly, he could be a wise long-term investment, knowing the club could be in danger of losing at least one of their star attackers next summer.
A fee of £10 million is a hefty amount, especially for a player who is yet to even make his breakthrough in the Championship. But given the potential Johnson offers, it could be a wise gamble, even more so if the Whites are able to offload fringe players such as Helder Costa.
