“If Anthony Gordon was worth £55m, how is Brennan Johnson worth £30m?”- Brentford transfer bid for Forest labelled a ‘disgrace’ as pundits urges Johnson to stay at City Ground for one more season
Wales star Brennan Johnson has been told there is no point leaving Nottingham Forest this summer – unless it’s for a club in the top six in the Premier League.
Johnson, 21, has been subject of £30million interest from Brentford already this off-season. Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa are also said to be in the mix.
Johnson enjoyed a standout season in the top flight last term and helped Steve Cooper’s side avoid the drop. He scored eight league goals and has a bright future ahead of him for club and country.
Former Reds striker Nigel Jemson has told the attacker to stay at the City Ground unless a big-name team come in for him, while fellow pundit Darren Fletcher labelled a £30million bid for the Wales international “a disgrace”.
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“Brennan’s a great player and he’s had a terrific season. He’s got huge potential. Everyone has a price. I don’t know what that is from the football club’s point of view,” Jemson said.
“I see Brentford as a sideways step. He’s got his family here, he’s adored here. He’s got to be looking at top six or seven club or there’s no point in going.
“He’s at a club moving forwards with a good manager. He’s playing for Wales. He’s got to have another season at least here before he thinks about going, unless the club gets an offer they would take to put back into the squad.”
Fletcher, speaking on NottinghamLive’s Garibaldi Red podcast, went a step further, ridiculing the offer submitted for the attacker. He added: “I thought when I saw the offer I thought someone was taking the mickey. If Anthony Gordon cost £55million (it was a reported £45million) then how is Brennan Johnson worth £30million? Compare the stats and what Brennan Johnson has done as a Premier League player compared to Anthony Gordon.
“If anyone wants to take Brennan Johnson from here they’ve at least got to get to Anthony Gordon money.
“If they don’t then I think the club would be mad to entertain it. The most valuable commodity in any Premier League team is goals. Forest have a player with huge potential. Brennan can affect a game and win you one. It’s a laughable offer.
“If a top six club comes in with an offer of £55million or more then you might be obliged to have a conversation, but where it is right now is a disgrace and they shouldn’t entertain it. I doubt the owner entertained the call from Brentford.
“I think Brennan is better off having at least another year here. Hopefully longer. He’s got huge respect here. He’s just bought a house and I don’t think too many players are looking to get out. There’s no team in the Premier League where the players walk out and get the welcome and love they get here. I think that matters to all of them. I’d be very surprised if Brennan Johnson is knocking on the door asking to go anywhere else.”