Kenya Sport

Everton and Crystal Palace Complete Swap Deal: Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson to Switch Clubs

Everton and Crystal Palace Finalize Swap of Wingers

Everton and Crystal Palace have reached an agreement for a swap deal involving wingers Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson. Both players are set to undergo medical examinations before signing four-year contracts with their new teams, marking a striking exchange between these Premier League rivals ahead of the new season.

Details of the Transfer

According to BBC Sport, McNeil will move to Selhurst Park while Wales international attacker Johnson heads to Goodison Park. McNeil’s transfer to Crystal Palace revives a previously collapsed deal from February, when a £20 million loan-to-buy agreement fell through due to paperwork complications at the last moment.

Partner Speaks Out on Failed February Move

The failed transfer in February caused significant frustration within McNeil's camp. His partner, Megan Sharpley, expressed her disappointment on social media, highlighting the mental toll on the player:

“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 New Opportunities

Brennan Johnson joined Crystal Palace from Tottenham Hotspur in January for £35 million after scoring the winning goal in the 2025 Europa League final. Despite this, he did not score in 26 appearances for the Eagles. Meanwhile, McNeil scored 15 goals in 128 matches for Everton since his £20 million transfer from Burnley in 2022. Last season, Palace won the Conference League securing Europa League qualification, while Everton finished 13th in the Premier League.

Race to Complete Paperwork Before Season Start

Both clubs are working quickly to finalize registration so McNeil and Johnson can feature in the opening weekend fixtures. Interestingly, the Premier League schedule has Everton facing Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, August 22, setting up a direct showdown for both players against their former clubs.

  • Everton's upcoming friendly: vs Newcastle United, August 12, 18:15
  • Crystal Palace's upcoming friendly: vs Freiburg, August 15, 14:00