Palace latest: £35m but zero goals - 'expensive mistake' Johnson to leave

Crystal Palace face a significant attacking crisis as midfielder Johnson, signed for £35 million, prepares to depart Selhurst Park without recording a single goal for the club. The South London outfit invested heavily in the playmaker during the summer transfer window, but his spell has proven disappointing, failing to deliver the creative spark needed in Palace's push up the Premier League table. Manager Oliver Glaston's squad currently sits in mid-table, seven points adrift of the European positions, with the lack of goal-contribution from their expensive acquisition becoming increasingly problematic in their bid to challenge for continental football.

Johnson's arrival was viewed as a transformative signing capable of unlocking Palace's attacking potential and providing the spark to elevate them toward the top six. The 27-year-old midfielder had demonstrated consistency at his previous club, registering double-digit goal contributions in recent seasons. However, integration into Glaston's tactical setup has proven challenging, with Johnson managing just three assists across 24 Premier League appearances this term. His departure represents a significant financial setback for the club, with Palace ultimately recouping minimal value from an investment that was intended to strengthen their midfield for years to come.

The midfielder's exit opens a transfer window opportunity for Palace to address their attacking deficiencies, with reports indicating several clubs have expressed interest in acquiring Johnson ahead of the January window closure. Glaston must now prioritize recruitment to fill the void, with Palace having struggled for creativity throughout the campaign. The club's goal-scoring record ranks among the division's poorer performers, highlighting the urgency to find attacking reinforcements. Palace face Liverpool in their next fixture, a challenging encounter that will test their ability to compete without their recently departed playmaker during this transitional period.