Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs engaged in discussions for “the most direct winger in Europe”
Surprisingly, Tottenham Hotspur has wrapped up 2025 aware that a victory against Brentford on New Year’s Day will place Thomas Frank’s squad just two points shy of fifth-place Chelsea. This is an interesting observation. The league performance of Spurs has been dismal for most of the year, and this season, they have only managed to secure two wins at home.
However, this speaks volumes about Tottenham’s tenacity and unity, coupled with the fact that Frank now has a prime opportunity to utilize the financial support heading his way to make significant upgrades in the January transfer market, with forward positions being targeted.
Spurs set to recruit forwards in January
A transformation is underway at N17, with the ENIC Group already having finalized a £35m deal with Crystal Palace for the acquisition of Welsh winger Brennan Johnson.
Although Johnson has not consistently performed this season, starting only three matches in the Premier League since August, he remains a capable and effective winger. In May, he scored the decisive goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United. A replacement must be secured, with the Lilywhites also seeking a centre-midfielder. According to Sport BILD, as reported by Sport Witness, both Tottenham and the Red Devils have been in direct communication with the agents of Said El Mala, who is enjoying a breakout season filled with goals in the Bundesliga playing for FC Köln.
The 19-year-old moves primarily as a left-sided winger with a right-footed preference, making him a fit for Spurs’ requirements. However, his current club is aware of his value and has reacted to the interest by requesting a minimum of £35m, matching the valuation set for Johnson’s move to Palace.
Why El Mala is a significant Johnson upgrade
The fast-paced world of football transfers rarely allows for seamless negotiations, yet Johnson is nearing a move to Selhurst Park with few obstacles—albeit he needs to consent to the transfer himself—and this could open the door for El Mala as a straightforward replacement.
Regardless, the teenager is worth pursuing. This season, he has netted six goals in the Bundesliga and provided two assists. With 15 appearances, including six starts, he was on loan with Viktoria Köln in the third tier of German football last year. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has praised him for having a “huge future ahead”, already demonstrating the physicality and determination to complement his innate talent and goal-scoring instincts. Sofascore indicates that he averages 3.4 duels won per league match this season.
Evidently, El Mala would represent an enhancement over the current iteration of Johnson, whose efficacy in the final third has faltered due to dismal underlying statistics, such as his precision and intent on the ball, having lost 70% of his dribbles in the Premier League.
As shown below, El Mala is already surpassing the 24-year-old in several statistics, and although he has yet to transition to the challenging English scene, his sharpness, inventiveness, and vigor all suggest a promising future.
El Mala vs Johnson (past 12 months)
Stats (per 90)
El Mala
Johnson
Goals scored
0.79
0.39
Assists
0.26
0.04
Shots taken
3.83
1.08
Shot-creating actions
4.09
1.59
Touches (att pen)
6.99
2.75
Pass completion (%)
65.3
67.4
Progressive passes
1.19
2.19
Progressive carries
3.43
1.98
Successful take-ons
2.77
0.73
Ball recoveries
2.90
2.62
Tackles + interceptions
1.98
1.72
Data via FBref
The disparity in ball-carrying efficiency is striking, particularly regarding successful take-ons, which serve as a solid indicator of agility and technical precision. Johnson demonstrates some dribbling ability, yet he fails to apply that skill with sufficient frequency. In fact, El Mala’s success in this area has led data analyst Spencer Mossman to call him “the most direct winger in Europe,” someone who could replace Johnson and deliver enhanced results.
Spurs require a left-sided forward, especially following the sale of Heung-min Son to LAFC during the summer. El Mala could represent the ideal addition, one that not only offers potential for the future but could also immediately outshine Johnson.
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Published: 2025-12-31 14:10:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
