Everton and Palace Finalize McNeil-Johnson Swap Deal

Everton and Crystal Palace have finalized a swap deal that will see winger Dwight McNeil join Crystal Palace while Brennan Johnson moves to Everton. Both players are expected to undergo medical examinations on Monday before completing their transfers.

They will sign initial four-year contracts with their respective new clubs. McNeil, 26, nearly transferred to Crystal Palace in February through a loan-to-buy agreement worth £20 million, but the deal collapsed due to paperwork issues despite McNeil passing a medical.

His partner, Megan Sharpley, expressed concerns about the mental health implications of such transfers on social media. Brennan Johnson, 25, who has played 45 times for Wales, scored the winning goal in a match in May 2025.

He joined Crystal Palace in a £35 million deal in January and contributed to the team's success in reaching the Conference League final, although he did not score in 26 appearances for the club. Everton finished 13th in the Premier League last season, while Crystal Palace was two places lower but will participate in the Europa League for the 2026-27 season.