Nottingham Forest product Brennan Johnson has sparked contrasting views between Everton teammate James Garner and former Arsenal striker Alan Smith regarding his potential impact at Goodison Park.
Garner, who was crowned Everton’s Player of the Season, is enthusiastic about reconnecting with Johnson at Hill Dickinson Stadium, even though former Arsenal great Smith has labelled the winger’s Crystal Palace spell as a catastrophe.
Smith, who collected two league titles during his spell with the Gunners along with the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup-Winners’ Cup during a career yielding 115 goals in 351 appearances, told the ECHO via BestBettingSites.co.uk that Johnson’s Selhurst Park stay proved particularly problematic. He explained that supporters had witnessed no standout displays from the player, who began poorly and failed to improve. According to Smith, Johnson’s confidence appeared severely dented, with the ex-Arsenal forward noting instances where the player seemed reluctant to receive possession and appeared uncertain how to proceed once he had the ball at his feet. This situation naturally drew criticism from the home supporters. Smith expressed surprise at the transfer, indicating Johnson did not seem suited to David Moyes’s style, though he acknowledged it presents an excellent opportunity for redemption. He questioned who could have predicted such a move following Johnson’s underwhelming campaign and voiced hope that he might rediscover the form he showed during his Forest career.
During the 2021/22 season, Johnson contributed 19 goals across all competitions as Nottingham Forest secured promotion to the top flight, with Garner spending that period on loan from Manchester United. The two have now been re-united on Merseyside following Johnson’s swap deal involving Dwight McNeil, and the England international is eager to link up with him once more.
At the Men in Blazers event, Garner informed Roger Bennett that Johnson represents a tremendous talent who had been pivotal during their shared Forest spell. He described Johnson as rapid, direct, capable of finding the net and creating opportunities, with those qualities evident during his Premier League outings and particularly when Tottenham claimed Europa League glory, during which Johnson delivered his standout seasonal performance. Garner expressed optimism about Johnson replicating that success in royal blue and anticipation of featuring alongside him.
Garner featured in every one of Everton’s 41 matches across all competitions during 2025/26, though a groin complaint will sideline him for the commencement of the new season. Despite preferring central midfield duties, the 25-year-old has operated in both full-back roles under Moyes and confirmed his willingness to occupy whatever position the manager requires. He emphasised his tactical intelligence and understanding of the game, noting his extensive viewing and analysis of football combined with his development at a prestigious academy, which equipped him to handle various defensive and midfield responsibilities. Garner revealed his primary ambition centres on maintaining consistent performances, with hopes of matching or surpassing his previous season’s output. He stressed his determination to deliver reliable contributions in attacking and defensive phases while demonstrating leadership qualities, asserting his intention to replicate on matchdays what he produces during training sessions.