Everton and Crystal Palace Complete Swap Deal: Dwight McNeil Joins Palace, Brennan Johnson Heads to Everton

Everton and Crystal Palace have agreed on a swap deal involving wingers Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson. Both players are set to undergo medicals before signing four-year contracts, marking a notable exchange between these Premier League rivals ahead of the new season.

Details of the Swap

Sources including BBC Sport confirm that McNeil will move to Selhurst Park while Johnson, a Wales international forward, is headed to Goodison Park. The swap revives McNeil's previously stalled transfer to Palace, which fell through in February due to paperwork complications during a £20 million loan-to-buy deal.

Emotional Response to Earlier Transfer Collapse

The failed February move caused frustration, especially within McNeil’s camp. His partner, Megan Sharpley, voiced her disappointment on social media, criticizing how such situations affect players’ mental health:

"We live in a world where everyone is aware of how big a problem mental health is. So, in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money and that’s OK to mess and toy with their mental health and that it’s just part of the job? To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster and to be toyed with until the final minute. For that to be torn away from you at the last second with absolutely no explanation has hurt more than I can say."

Players Seeking New Opportunities

Brennan Johnson joined Palace from Tottenham Hotspur in January for £35 million after scoring the winning goal in the 2025 Europa League final, but he didn’t find the net in 26 appearances for the Eagles. Meanwhile, McNeil scored 15 goals across 128 matches for Everton since his £20 million move from Burnley in 2022.

Last season, Palace clinched the Conference League title, earning a spot in the Europa League, while Everton finished 13th in the Premier League standings.

Upcoming Fixture Puts New Signings Against Former Clubs

Both teams are rushing to complete registration to ensure the new signings can play on opening weekend. Interestingly, the Premier League schedule has Everton facing Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, August 22, providing an immediate test for McNeil and Johnson against their former sides.

• Everton Friendly: EVE vs Newcastle United, August 12, 18:15
• Crystal Palace Friendly: CRY vs Freiburg, August 15, 14:00