EVERTON SHOULD CONSIDER JAMAICAN ACE IF THEY MISS OUT ON £50M STAR
Brentford have shown an interest in Brennan Johnson, but getting a deal done may not be possible.
According to the Evening Standard, Brentford are keen to sign Brennan Johnson this summer. Nottingham Forest rebuffed their first offer of £30 million, but are prepared to try again for the forward. However, with Forest wanting a fee of at least £50 million for Johnson, a deal may not be possible.
Failure to land Johnson won’t mean that Thomas Frank gives up on strengthening his attacking contingent. Additions are needed in this part of the pitch, especially with Ivan Toney’s ban in effect until January. Therefore, Demarai Gray ought to be a consideration for the Bees.
Gray has already been linked with an exit this summer. What’s more, Everton’s financial situation means they need to sell where they can in this transfer window, and given that Gray isn’t a nailed on starter at Goodison Park, he’d likely be available for a fair fee.
Why Brentford should go for Gray
Given his youth, current form, and huge potential, acquiring Johnson would be a preferable and more long-term solution for Brentford. As an alternative option, though, Gray has plenty going for him. Still just 27-years-old, he is in his prime. What’s more, the Jamaica international compares favourably with Johnson from a statistical standpoint.
Johnson is prized at the City Ground for his speed, directness, and dribbling ability. According to FBRef’s statistics for the Welshman, he averages 1.01 completed take-ons and 2.70 progressive carries per match. In the same regard, Gray puts up numbers of 1.18 completed take-ons and 3.37 progressive carries. Johnson also averages 0.92 progressive passes compared to Gray’s 1.65, and 1.6 shots per game as opposed to the Everton man’s 2.05.
Gray isn’t as clinical or versatile as Johnson, nor does he have the the youth of the 22-year-old. However, he has more to give than he has often been able to show on Merseyside, where he has regularly been playing in incoherent teams that haven’t suited his strengths. Brentford’s wide play and directness could help to bring the best out of him, making him a smart, and much more cost-effective, alternative to Johnson.
