Everton and Crystal Palace Complete Swap Deal: Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson

Everton and Crystal Palace have struck a swap deal that sends winger Dwight McNeil to Selhurst Park, while Wales international Brennan Johnson moves to Goodison Park. Both players are set to undergo medical exams before signing four-year contracts with their new teams, marking a notable exchange between the Premier League rivals ahead of the upcoming season.

Wingers Switch Clubs Ahead of New Campaign

According to BBC Sport, the agreement involves McNeil transferring to Crystal Palace and Johnson heading to Everton. Medicals are scheduled for Monday, followed by contract signings. This move revives the attempt to bring McNeil to Palace after a £20 million loan-to-buy transfer fell through on deadline day in February due to paperwork problems.

Partner Voices Frustration Over Failed Transfer

The breakdown of McNeil’s move to South London caused disappointment within his camp amid administrative mishaps. His partner, Megan Sharpley, expressed her frustration on social media, criticizing how mental health is often overlooked in football despite players earning significant wages.

“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 Looking for Fresh Opportunities

Brennan Johnson joined Crystal Palace in January for £35 million from Tottenham Hotspur after netting the winner in the 2025 Europa League final. Despite 26 appearances, he did not score for the Eagles. Meanwhile, Dwight McNeil has tallied 15 goals in 128 matches for Everton since his £20 million move from Burnley in 2022. Last season, Palace secured a Europa League spot by winning the Conference League, while Everton ended the campaign in 13th place.

Upcoming Clash Adds Extra Intrigue

Both clubs aim to complete registration swiftly so the players can feature in the opening weekend. Interestingly, Everton and Crystal Palace face each other at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, August 22. This match will serve as a direct test for both McNeil and Johnson against their former sides.

• Everton Fixture: EVE vs Newcastle United, 12 Aug 2026, 18:15
• Crystal Palace Fixture: CRY vs Freiburg, 15 Aug 2026, 14:00