Everton have completed a swap deal that sees winger Brennan Johnson head to Goodison Park while Dwight McNeil moves in the opposite direction to Selhurst Park. Both players have agreed to four‑year contracts with their new clubs, marking a significant reshuffle for the two sides involved. Johnson, who is 25, arrives at Everton after a brief stint at Crystal Palace. He originally joined Palace in January from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £35 million, but managed only 26 appearances and failed to find the net.
Despite the limited impact, Everton’s manager David Moyes was quick to act, making Johnson the fifth summer addition to his squad. The other newcomers this window include the activation of the loan‑obligation for Merlin Rohl, as well as permanent signings Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Christian Norgaard. McNeil, now 26, returns to Palace after five seasons with Everton. He will link up with fellow newcomers Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who have also been recruited by the south‑London club.
Palace have already off‑loaded centre‑back Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea, freeing up funds and a place in the squad for McNeil’s arrival. The midfielder’s move comes after a failed attempt to join Palace on deadline day earlier in the season, when paperwork was not submitted in time. Speaking about his switch, Johnson expressed genuine enthusiasm for his new challenge: “I’m thrilled to be here. Everton is a massive club with a rich history, and when I first heard they were interested, I knew I wanted to be part of it.
The manager, the players and the direction the team is heading in all appealed to me. It feels like a perfect match for my ambitions.” He added that he is eager to rediscover the form that made him a hot prospect in previous seasons, noting that the manager’s confidence in his abilities was a key factor in his decision. “The manager has spoken to me about getting back to the level I showed before, and that means a lot.
Listening to someone with his experience and success is incredibly motivating.” Johnson also highlighted his commitment to the club’s supporters and the broader community. “I’ll work hard for the team, the fans and the club’s reputation. They can expect dedication from me, and I’ll bring speed, goals and everything else I have to offer. The Everton fanbase, whether at home or away, has always impressed me, and it’s an honour to wear this shirt.” Palace chairman Steve Parish is reported to have held direct talks with McNeil and his partner Megan Sharpley before the deal was finalised.
Those conversations were intended to smooth over tensions that arose after Sharpley publicly criticised the handling of McNeil’s aborted January move, claiming it had a detrimental effect on his mental health. In a lengthy social‑media post at the time, Sharpley questioned the industry’s attitude toward player wellbeing, stating that financial considerations should never outweigh respect, kindness and fair treatment. McNeil, who contributed 15 goals and 18 assists in 130 appearances for Everton, welcomed his return to Selhurst Park.
“I’m really happy to be here and excited about the challenge ahead. The lads have achieved great things over the past two seasons, and I want to be part of that success. I’m looking forward to getting started and giving everything for the club.” The swap also involved a number of ancillary moves.
Oscar Mingueza arrived from Celta Vigo on a free transfer, while Takehiro Tomiyasu joined from Ajax, also on a free. Brennan Johnson’s fee remains undisclosed, as does the amount paid for McNeil. Other notable transactions include Maxence Lacroix’s £51 million switch to Chelsea, Danny Imray’s £5 million move to Wrexham, and several free‑signings such as Demi Akarakiri (Cagliari), Coby Ebere (Cukaricki) and Goodness Gospel‑Eze (Stockport).
A host of players were released from their contracts, including Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye and many others, reflecting the extensive squad overhaul undertaken by both clubs during the summer window. Overall, the exchange represents a strategic gamble for both Everton and Crystal Palace. Everton hope that Johnson’s pace and versatility will add a new dimension to their attacking options, while Palace anticipate that McNeil’s creativity and experience will bolster their midfield as they aim to improve on recent performances. The four‑year deals give both clubs ample time to assess the impact of the swap and to build a cohesive unit for the upcoming season.