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'I know Everton well, they have the coaches and environment to get the best out of Brennan Johnson'
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- 'I know Everton well, they have the coaches and environment to get the best out of Brennan Johnson'
Everton will be the right place to unlock Brennan Johnson's potential and get his career back on track.
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
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The Toffees have signed the 25-year-old on a four-year deal, after a swap was agreed that has seen Dwight McNeil go the other way to Crystal Palace.
Johnson cost the Eagles £35million when they signed him from Tottenham in January, but he managed just two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Everton will feel that the Wales international still has plenty more to give, however, and could perform with the right encouragement.
The winger is expected to accompany Iliman Ndiaye on the wings, although it is unclear what side each will favour.
Everton will 'suit' Brennan Johnson
When Tottenham spent £47.5m to sign Johnson in 2023, they did so because of his huge potential.
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The youngster was already a regular for Wales, and had scored eight goals and provided three assist in his debut Premier League season.
And after a positive first campaign in North London, Johnson scored 18 goals across all competitions and fired Tottenham to Europa League glory in 2025.
Ange Postecoglou's departure and Thomas Frank's arrival halted his momentum, and by January, he was looking for the exit door.
The move to Palace has proved a major hurdle in his career, but there is belief that Johnson can rediscover his talents at Everton.
"I think it'd be a new challenge for both and it might be beneficial for both clubs. They're about the same age," King told Football Insider.
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"I think the staff there - you've got Alan Irvine, you've got Billy McKinlay, you've got Leighton Baines. So I think you've certainly got the staff there and the coaches there.
"I just think that environment might suit him there more than it would at Crystal Palace."
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David Moyes has a history of getting the best out of players, and will be confident that he can do the same with Johnson.
Should Everton manage to bring the exciting young Nottingham Forest forward back out, they will pulled off a staggeringly good deal.
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"The manager spoke to me about getting back to the form that I've shown previously, and that's a massive thing for me – the fact he knows and believes in what I can do," Johnson told the club's website after signing.
"For me, listening to him – a manager who is so experienced and someone who has been so successful – it was really nice to hear."
