Brennan Johnson, the £35 million record signing for Crystal Palace in January 2026, is already facing speculation about a potential move back to his former club, Nottingham Forest, this summer.
Despite the significant investment and his status as Palace's most expensive acquisition, Johnson has struggled to find his footing at Selhurst Park. In his 25 appearances for the Eagles, he has yet to register a single goal, a stark contrast to his previous form.
Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison has voiced his surprise at the early transfer talk, admitting that such a swift departure would be unusual so soon after his arrival. However, he conceded that in the unpredictable world of football transfers, nothing is entirely impossible, particularly if there are managerial changes at the club.
Morrison pointed to a visible loss of confidence in Johnson's performances. He contrasted the Welsh international's current struggles with his previous success at Tottenham Hotspur, where he was a prolific scorer, even finding the net in a Europa League final. Morrison suggested that a new manager might be the key to unlocking Johnson's potential and restoring his belief.
The narrative is further fueled by Nottingham Forest's potential interest. Having nurtured Johnson through their academy and seen his talent blossom, the Tricky Trees are reportedly seeking to add pace to their attacking flanks, especially after the departure of Anthony Elanga. The idea of bringing a familiar and proven player like Johnson 'home' could be an attractive proposition for Forest.
While Johnson is under contract with Crystal Palace until 2030, and the club would undoubtedly seek to recoup a substantial portion of their record investment, the mere discussion of a return to the City Ground highlights the fluid nature of the transfer market. His previous success at Forest, where he was a standout performer, makes the possibility, however remote, a talking point among fans and pundits alike.
