Newcastle United are scouring the market for attacking reinforcements ahead of next season, and it looks like Brennan Johnson could be a potential option.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle are big fans of Johnson, who has been fantastic for Nottingham Forest this season.
The 21-year-old currently has seven Premier League goals to his name, in what is his first ever season in the top flight. That is the same number as Toon number nine Callum Wilson, who is the Magpies’ second-top scorer at the moment.
Johnson has proven he can hang in the Premier League, and will be a big reason why Forest avoid relegation if Steve Cooper’s side can stay afloat. That is the view of Alan Shearer, at least…
Pundits praise Brennan Johnson
The Wales international recently bagged a brace in a 2-2 draw with Everton at the City Ground. That prompted Toon legend Shearer to name him in his Premier League team of the week.
On Johnson, Shearer wrote: “Scoring another two goals, he is Forest’s big hope for staying in the Premier League.”
That will certainly be the case, with Cooper’s side currently two points clear of the relegation zone in 14th place. Johnson is their only player who looks like he can score consistently, with Chris Wood boasting just one goal since joining on loan from Newcastle.
Shearer is not the only pundit who has been blown away by the Forest forward. Micah Richards has also praised Johnson, and recently called him a ‘quality player’ during an appearance on Match Of The Day 2.
Newcastle wanted the Nottingham Forest star last year
Johnson has been turning heads with his Premier League performances, and it could result in Newcastle making a summer move to sign the attacker.
However, he is someone who the Magpies already could have brought in. He was linked with a move to St James’ Park last season, back when he was tearing up the Championship amid contract uncertainty.
The Daily Mail stated that Newcastle were keen during the January 2022 transfer window, when Forest valued him at £20million.
That interest continued heading into the summer, with the Independent believing that Eddie Howe’s side would make a move. That did not happen, with Johnson’s Forest future secured following promotion to the top flight.
Now there is fresh interest, and Johnson will be worth even more money. Scoring seven goals in a struggling Premier League side is impressive, and he clearly has a huge amount of potential. He has also provided two assists, as well as scoring two more goals in the League Cup.
Capable of playing out wide or as a main striker, Johnson would be a valuable addition to the Newcastle squad, but it feels like the chance to sign him for a reasonable amount has been and gone.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
