Everton agree swap deal for McNeil and Johnson as both players are expected to have medicals today.
Everton and Crystal Palace have agreed a swap deal involving wingers Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson.
According to BBC News, the two clubs have finalised an agreement that will see McNeil move to Selhurst Park and Johnson head to Merseyside. Both players are expected to undergo medicals on Monday and will sign initial four-year contracts with their new clubs.
McNeil, 26, nearly joined Palace at the start of February. That deal was a loan-to-buy agreement but fell through on deadline day due to paperwork issues. His partner Megan Sharpley publicly criticised the collapse at the time. Now, six months later, the move is back on.
A fresh start for both wingers
Johnson, 25, has 45 caps for Wales. He joined Palace in a £35m deal in January and helped them reach the Conference League final. But he struggled for form at Selhurst Park. He made 13 Premier League starts and 26 appearances in all competitions without scoring a single goal.
McNeil joined Everton from Burnley for £20m in July 2022. He has scored 15 times in 128 games in all competitions for the Toffees. He is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Everton, which made a summer move more likely. A failed transfer earlier made the move even more likely.
The previous season was a dismal domestic campaign for both clubs. Both clubs finished the season in the bottom half. Everton were 13th while Palace were two places below in 15th. But Crystal Palace will play in the Europa League in 2026-27 after winning the Conference League.
Why the swap makes sense?
McNeil had one year left on his deal, making the move a smart business for Everton. Rather than lose him for nothing next summer, they have cashed in on McNeil’s previous desire to move and brought in a younger player with international experience. Similarly, Johnson,25, has struggled for form at Crystal Palace and a move away meant a fresher start for him as well.
Palace have changed managers since McNeil was close to a move in the January transfer window, with Pierre Sage replacing Oliver Glasner, but their interest in McNeil has remained.
The two sides meet at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, with McNeil potentially facing his former club. Johnson could do the same against Palace, adding an extra layer to an already interesting fixture.
