‘I wish it wasn’t them’ – Arsenal hero rues Tottenham transfer masterstroke for star whose potential is ‘scary’
Brennan Johnson has huge potential according to Wales teammate Aaron Ramsey
Former Arsenal favourite Aaron Ramsey fears Tottenham have pulled off an absolute humdinger of a transfer in bringing his Wales teammate Brennan Johnson to the club, claiming the player has “enormous potential”.
New-look Tottenham have made a bright start to life both post Harry Kane and under new boss Ange Postecoglou, sitting unbeaten in second place with three wins and a draw so far.
The popular Aussie boss already has a great Robbie Williams-inspired anthem re-written in his name as supporters enjoy what has been a truly enthralling start. Indeed, with Manchester United soundly beaten and 11 goals scored from their five games played thus far, the optimism does not seen misplaced.
With Kane departing, Tottenham fans might have feared the worst but Postecoglou’s fluid system, with new signing James Maddison and Heung-min Son thriving, appears to have had the desired affect. Now they are set to add Johnson to their mix after securing his signing for £47.5m on deadline day.
Johnson enjoyed an excellent first season in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest last season, scoring 10 goals and adding three assists.
But after letting him go to both help their summer rebuilding and stay within FFP limits, Ramsey fears Tottenham have struck gold with the capture of his Wales teammate.
“I wish it weren’t to Tottenham,” Ramsey said when asked about Johnson.
“For him it’s a brilliant move. The potential he has is quite scary and hopefully he can take those next steps and go to the next level.”
Postecoglou told he’s landed a gem in Brennan Johnson
Ramsey, who himself was on the move this summer, completing a fairytale return to first club Cardiff, insists Johnson is set to reach the top level in the game.
“He’s going to be important for Wales as well,” he added. “He’s going to be huge for us over the years to come and we’re all excited that he has another platform to go on and improve himself again.”
Postecoglou, meanwhile, has refused to say where in the side Johnson will be asked to perform, though he could be given a free role in attack operating as something of a false nine and in place of Richarlison.
Discussing his signing, the Spurs boss beamed: “Just another exciting young player,” before adding: “He’s a real threat in the front third and he’s a bit different to what we’ve already got.
“He’s young, ambitious. It’s no secret that that’s been the model for me, not just here but wherever I’ve gone. It’s just as much about the person you’re bringing in as the footballer.
“Looking at him, he’s going to fit in really well with this group because he’s really ambitious and hungry and he wants to take his game to another level. The technical and the physical attributes he has I think he should fit in really well with us.”
Tottenham undoubtedly have a high-quality player in their ranks, despite the fears raised about the amount of money paid for the 22-year-old.
Capable of playing across the attack, he might come in as a central striker first. Long term, however, the Spurs boss could use him anywhere across the frontline, especially if a specialist attacker is sought in the January window. To that end, links to a 160-goal Prem striker in the winter window are starting to already gather pace.
