Tottenham Hit by Dressing Room Unrest After Calls for Thomas Frank to Be Sacked

Tottenham Hotspur is grappling with significant dressing room unrest following the impending departure of star winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, a decision attributed to manager Thomas Frank that has frustrated several first-team players.[3][1][4]

The 24-year-old Welsh international, who joined Spurs in 2023, was pivotal in their Europa League triumph under previous boss Ange Postecoglou, scoring 27 goals and providing 18 assists in 106 appearances. His toe-poke goal in the final against Manchester United in Bilbao marked Tottenham's first trophy in nearly two decades, earning him hero status among teammates and fans.[4][1][5] Fans even chanted "Johnson ole ole" during a recent match against Brentford.[4]

However, under Frank—who replaced Postecoglou after Spurs' Europa League success—Johnson's role diminished sharply. He started only six Premier League games this season amid new signings like Mohammed Kudus, becoming a squad player at best.[1][5] Frank and director Fabio Paratici informed him he was not part of long-term plans, prompting a £33.5m-€40m permanent transfer to Palace, with personal terms agreed and a medical pending.[4][5][1]

Journalist Alasdair Gold reports the sale has sparked frustration in the locker room, where Johnson was a popular figure. Key players including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie posted farewell messages on social media, while others wiped tears in a farewell video for Son Heung-min (also departed).[5][4][1] No specific names of dissenters were named, but the move is seen as poorly timed, especially after missing out on replacement Antoine Semenyo.[1][7]

This comes amid broader tensions under Frank, with sources citing confusion over tactical roles changed mid-game, echoing Tottenham's history of dressing room issues under multiple managers like Pochettino, Mourinho, and Conte.[2] Calls for Frank's sacking have intensified as Spurs slip down the table, facing pressure to stabilize the squad during the January window.[3][6] Other outgoings like Kota Takai to Borussia Monchengladbach and Jamie Donley to Oxford add to the flux, but Johnson's exit looms largest.[1]

While the deal frees funds for reinforcements, failure to replace Johnson adequately risks deepening the rift, threatening Tottenham's Champions League ambitions.[5][7] Official confirmation is expected soon.[1]

(Word count: 298)