Tottenham Squad Bristles at Brennan Johnson Exit as Frank Faces Fresh Scrutiny

Tottenham have wasted little time in the January window, shipping out Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace—a move that has left the squad far from happy, according to reports.

The forward, who played a key role in Spurs' Europa League triumph, has completed his switch to Palace after being informed on New Year's Day by Thomas Frank and Fabio Paratici that he no longer figured in their plans. Johnson accepted the decision and the transfer has now been finalised, with images confirming him in Palace colours sporting the number 11.

Yet the exit of the well-liked attacker has not sat well with his teammates. The decision to offload a proven goalscorer—particularly when Tottenham have struggled to find the net regularly this season—has raised eyebrows in the dressing room. The irony is not lost on the squad: Mohammed Kudus has taken Johnson's spot on the right wing but has accumulated fewer goals despite more frequent appearances.

The timing could hardly be worse for Frank, who already faces mounting pressure over his management of the club. Squad discontent threatens to compound his difficulties, with players potentially questioning the club's direction at a moment when unity is essential. While professionals are expected to accept such decisions and crack on, the prospect of the dressing room turning against the manager represents a troubling development.

There is a broader sense of unease surrounding Frank's tenure. Tottenham officials have reportedly harboured doubts about whether he represents the right long-term solution, and the club is understood to be exploring the possibility of bringing back Mauricio Pochettino, currently managing the United States. Pochettino proved far more successful at Spurs, earning genuine affection from supporters through near-misses and compelling football—something Frank has struggled to replicate this season.