Nottingham Forest have had a phenomenal season since the arrival of manager Steve Cooper and after securing a place in the Championship play-offs they have a golden opportunity at promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.
Despite these amazing achievements, with success in football comes a spotlight on the players who have become integral in making a difference in the team’s challenge and Brennan Johnson in particular has been attracting a lot of attention from Premier League clubs following an outstanding season for Forest.
Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle United have all been linked with making a move for the young forward’s signature this summer, with the club reportedly valuing the gem at £20m.
The 20-year-old who was hailed an “outstanding” talent by Martin Keown, became the highest-scoring and assisting player under the age of 21, with 16 goals and ten assists in 46 appearances in the 2021/22 Championship season, which is an impressive achievement alongside his other statistics that go hand in hand with his goal contribution.
Johnson has created 15 big chances, making 1.3 key passes and 1.9 shots on average per game, proving that he is a consistent attacking threat and an asset to his team that Cooper cannot afford to lose.
In the January transfer window, the Forest manager made it explicitly clear that the young talent was not for sale, and since then has further given an insight from his perspective on the future of Johnson who was dubbed “easy on the eye” by Michael Appleton.
Cooper said (via The 72):
“It’s a good thing he’s getting interest. It shows he’s doing something right. We’re enjoying working with him.
“He wants to do extra and review how he can improve his game. He’s a local boy and is very proud to play for the football club.”
With that being said, the Welsh manager must do everything he can to keep Johnson at the club, and if they can secure Premier League promotion this season it will surely be a massive boost in securing the winger’s future, and it could potentially open the door for an extension on his current contract that will expire in June 2023.
Losing him, however, would be nothing short of a disaster for Cooper who will also see James Garner return to Manchester United this summer.
Nottingham Forest will take on their promotion challenge this weekend in the Championship semi-final in their first leg against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, and the transfer interest surrounding Johnson will need to take a back seat until the side’s fate is sealed in their push for a return to top-flight football.
AND in other news: John Percy: Forest will “make an offer” to sign “superb” 27 y/o, he can replace Garner
