Brennan Johnson has now explained why he chose to leave Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window.
The Reds sanctioned the departure of the man who scored eight goals during 2022/23 with just hours of the transfer window remaining.
Johnson moved to Tottenham for £47.5 million. He ended a long-standing association with the club having risen through the academy ranks from a very young age.
Johnson speaks after leaving Forest
Nobody associated with Forest has begrudged Johnson for leaving the club for one the size of Tottenham.
It’s perhaps a tad frustrating that years of recruitment misdemeanours have meant that Forest weren’t able to keep hold of him for a little while longer.
Still, the Reds got a decent fee and it would appear that Johnson was pretty keen to leave the City Ground this summer.
He told Football London: “Being at Forest for so long, knowing so many people and having all my friends and family from there it was a hard decision to make.
“But it was the right time, especially coming to a club here that is so forward-thinking and has such a great team, manager and staff.
“I had seen them play already this season and was so impressed, it suited me at this point in my career and it’s pleasing they were able to get it done.”
Johnson deserves utmost respect for City Ground successes
The 22-year-old was instrumental in Forest returning to the Premier League and it’s hard to find a bad word to say about Johnson.
As a versatile player, Johnson has pace to burn. In full flight, he was truly magnificent and Steve Cooper praised him after a 1-0 win over Leeds last season.
Forest do have options in their attack. Anthony Elanga was signed from Manchester United, whilst Callum Hudson-Odoi came on from Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
They have some way to go to replicate the number of goals and assists that Johnson got at Forest, however, despite them being good signings.
Johnson is right that it was probably the right time for him to leave Forest. The Reds got a good fee for him and it did seem right for all parties.
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