Transfer deadline day was plunged into controversy as Tottenham Hotspur were left seething over what they perceive as 'shambolic' and unprofessional conduct from Nottingham Forest during the protracted negotiations for star winger Brennan Johnson.
The £47.5 million deal, which saw the Welsh international finally make his move to North London, was almost derailed by a high-stakes game of brinkmanship that has sparked a major row between the two Premier League clubs.
A Race Against Time Turns Sour
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Tottenham officials were left furious as the 11pm deadline loomed. Despite a fee being agreed upon in principle, Forest's late submission of the crucial deal sheet – a formal document that allows for additional time to finalise paperwork – created a frantic and tense atmosphere.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and his team had expected the deal sheet to be filed promptly once terms were settled. Instead, they were forced to wait in a state of anxious limbo, with the entire transfer threatening to collapse at the final moment.
Accusations of Unprofessional Behaviour
The delay has been interpreted by those within Tottenham as a deliberate and calculated tactic. There is a strong belief that Forest's hierarchy, led by owner Evangelos Marinakis, were attempting to orchestrate a bidding war by holding out for a better offer from London rivals Chelsea, who had also shown a strong interest in Johnson.
This perceived gamesmanship has not gone down well in North London. Tottenham feel that Forest's behaviour showed a lack of respect for the formal transfer process and created unnecessary risk for all parties involved.
The Domino Effect on Spurs' Plans
The late-night drama also had significant knock-on effects for Tottenham's own outgoing business. The club had been ready to sanction the departure of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Fulham, but the protracted negotiations for Johnson meant that potential move collapsed due to a lack of time to complete the medical and paperwork.
This has left Spurs with a larger-than-anticipated squad, forcing manager Ange Postecoglou to manage the expectations of players who were potentially expecting to seek more regular football elsewhere.
A Deal Done, But Bad Blood Remains
While Brennan Johnson is now officially a Tottenham player, the ill-feeling generated by the transfer's chaotic conclusion looks set to linger. The incident has undoubtedly strained relations between the two clubs and may make future negotiations more difficult.
For now, Tottenham will focus on integrating their new £47.5m man into Postecoglou's attacking system, but the memory of a fraught deadline day will not be quickly forgotten in the boardrooms of either club.
