Everton have completed the signing of winger Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace, finalising a swap deal that sees Dwight McNeil head to Selhurst Park. Both players have committed to four‑year contracts with their new clubs, marking a significant reshuffle for both sides.

Johnson, 25, joins the Toffees after a brief stint at Palace that began in January when he moved from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £35 million. His time in South London was short‑lived – he made just 26 appearances and failed to find the net – but Everton see him as a valuable addition to David Moyes’ rebuilding project.

The move also brings the total to five summer signings for Everton, joining the likes of Merlin Rohl (whose loan obligation was triggered), Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Christian Norgaard. On the other side of the deal, 26‑year‑old McNeil arrives at Crystal Palace after a turbulent January window. He had been on the verge of joining the club then, but a paperwork snag meant the transfer fell through at the last minute.

Palace chairman Steve Parish later held direct talks with McNeil and his partner, Megan Sharpley, to clear the air and ensure a smooth transition. McNeil’s move comes as Palace also secure defenders Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while having sold centre‑back Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea for £51 million. Johnson was quick to express his enthusiasm about the switch.

"I’m so excited to be here," he said. "Everton is a massive club with a rich history – the moment I heard there was interest, I knew I wanted to be part of it." He highlighted several factors that attracted him: the manager’s reputation, the quality of the squad and the direction the club is heading.

"You can see this is a club that wants to go in the right direction, and I’m a player who wants to go in that direction too – it feels like a perfect match," he added. The winger also spoke about his personal goals. "I want to come in and show what I can do. The manager talked to me about getting back to the form I showed previously, and that means a lot.

Listening to someone with his experience and success is encouraging," Johnson explained. He pledged to give his all for the fans, saying, "I’ll work for the team, the supporters, and represent the club properly.

They can expect that from me. On top of that, I think I can bring speed, goals and everything I’ve got." He also paid tribute to Everton’s fanbase.

"The incredible fanbase, whether at home or away, has always meant a lot to me. It’s a massive honour to be here and play for them now," he said. McNeil, meanwhile, reflected on his own move.

After 130 appearances for Everton – 15 goals and 18 assists – he said, "I’m really happy to be here and looking forward to the challenge ahead. The lads have had great success over the last two seasons and I want to be part of that, so I’m eager to get started." His transfer comes after a public dispute in January when Sharpley criticised the handling of his failed move, accusing the industry of treating players’ mental health poorly. She wrote on social media that the silence from Palace on deadline day had a negative impact on McNeil’s wellbeing, urging the sport to treat its participants with respect and kindness. The swap also triggers a cascade of other transactions for both clubs.

Palace have brought in Mingueza from Celta Vigo and Tomiyasu from Ajax on free transfers, while letting go of several fringe players. Everton, for their part, have secured the services of Johnson and have seen other youngsters such as Hayden Hackney (now at Middlesbrough for £24 million) and Tyrique George (Chelsea, £24 million) move on, alongside the activation of Rohl’s loan. In addition to the headline names, both clubs have released a long list of players at the end of the season, ranging from academy prospects to senior squad members, as they trim their rosters and prepare for the upcoming campaign. The extensive release list includes names such as Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, and a host of others who will now seek new opportunities.

Overall, the Johnson‑McNeil exchange illustrates the fluid nature of the modern transfer market, where clubs balance immediate needs with long‑term strategy. Everton hope that Johnson’s pace and attacking flair will add a new dimension to their front line, while Palace anticipate that McNeil’s creativity and experience will bolster their midfield as they aim to climb the Premier League table.

Both players have signed long‑term deals, indicating that their new clubs view them as integral parts of future plans, and fans on both sides will be watching closely to see how quickly they adapt and make an impact.