Everton must pull out all the stops to sign Brennan Johnson next summer
Everton are still in the hunt for Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson, and they should do everything they can to sign him up next summer.
Johnson, who scored 16 goals and got 10 assists for Forest last season, signed a new deal at the City Ground last month.
However, The Independent, reported on Monday 4 July that Frank Lampard’s side were not put off by this and will instead pursue a deal next summer.
The report also revealed that Johnson met with several Premier League clubs before signing his contract, though it did not say if Everton were one of them.
Finally, the report adds that Newcastle and Brentford were vying for the winger’s signature, so Everton must be quickest next summer in order to snap him up.
Johnson is a gem
It is incredibly difficult to find a player more versatile than Johnson.
He prefers to play as a shadow striker or on the right wing, but he played in eight different positions across his 52 appearances last season (Transfermarkt).
Johnson provided Forest with a consistent and reliable source of goals last season, only scoring one brace all season long.
It was a similar story in his loan at Lincoln City during the 2020/21 season, though he did score most of his 10 goals in bunches.
Still, he gave them a consistent source of assists and showed a willingness to play in multiple positions.
While his new contract seemed like a blow to Everton, it could be a blessing in disguise.
Johnson has showed that he can handle steps up in quality with ease after adapting to the Championship so well, but the Premier League is different.
Having to wait an extra year will give him the chance to prove that he is ready for the Premier League.
While Everton could have to fork out a higher fee if he does well and Forest stay up, they also will not have to take as much of a gamble on an unproven player.
If Johnson is a success in the Premier League, Everton would be mad to not relaunch their bid to sign him next summer.