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

Everton and Crystal Palace Confirm Player Exchange

Everton and Crystal Palace have reached an agreement to swap wingers, with Dwight McNeil set to join Selhurst Park and Wales international Brennan Johnson moving to Goodison Park. Both players are expected to pass their medicals soon and sign four-year contracts, finalizing a notable transfer between these Premier League rivals before the season begins.

Details of the Swap

The deal involves McNeil heading to Crystal Palace and Johnson transferring to Everton, according to reports from BBC Sport. Medical exams for both players are scheduled for Monday, after which they will officially commit to their new teams on long-term deals. This move revives McNeil’s transfer to South London, which fell through in February due to last-minute paperwork problems during a £20m loan-to-buy arrangement.

Partner Expresses Frustration Over Previous Transfer Collapse

When McNeil’s switch collapsed earlier this year, his partner Megan Sharpley voiced strong criticism about how the situation was handled. She highlighted concerns over mental health, noting the emotional toll caused by uncertainty and broken promises. In her social media post, she said:

"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 Crystal Palace in January for £35 million from Tottenham Hotspur, following his winning goal in the 2025 Europa League final. Despite 26 appearances, he did not score for the Eagles. Meanwhile, Dwight McNeil scored 15 goals in 128 games since joining Everton for £20 million from Burnley in 2022. Last season, Palace secured a Europa League spot by winning the Conference League, while Everton finished 13th in the Premier League standings.

Upcoming Clash Adds Extra Drama

Both clubs are rushing to complete registration so the players can take part from the first weekend of the new campaign. Adding intrigue, Everton and Crystal Palace will face each other at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, August 22. This opening fixture offers an immediate test for McNeil and Johnson as they play against their former teams.

  • Club: Everton
  • Opponent: Newcastle United
  • Date: 12 August 2026
  • Time: 18:15
  • Club: Crystal Palace
  • Opponent: Freiburg
  • Date: 15 August 2026
  • Time: 14:00

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