Everton and Crystal Palace Agree Winger Swap: McNeil to Palace, Johnson to Everton

Everton and Crystal Palace have agreed a straight swap that underlines just how restless this Premier League summer has become: Dwight McNeil to Selhurst Park, Brennan Johnson to Goodison.

No add‑ons. No complicated clauses. Just two wingers, two clubs, and a deal both sides hope resets their attacking options.

Both players are expected to undergo medicals on Monday, closing a circle that, for McNeil in particular, has been emotionally draining.

McNeil finally gets his Palace move

McNeil, 26, has been a constant presence for Everton since arriving from Burnley, racking up 114 appearances and often carrying much of the creative burden in a side fighting to stabilise itself on and off the pitch.

Back in February, he was on the brink of a loan move to Palace. It collapsed late, leaving more than just professional frustration. His partner, Megan Sharpley, publicly criticised Palace for what she described as "radio silence" during the breakdown of that deal.

"We live in a world where everyone is aware of how big a problem mental health is," she wrote on Instagram at the time, questioning how clubs handle players during transfer negotiations.

"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."

Those words cut through the usual transfer noise and shone a light on the human cost behind the market’s drama. Now, the move that once left McNeil hanging is back on the table, only this time as a permanent switch and part of a major attacking reshuffle for both clubs.

Johnson’s short Palace chapter ends

Heading in the opposite direction is Brennan Johnson, whose time at Palace has been brief and bruising.

The Wales international joined from Tottenham in January, seen as a high‑energy wide option who could stretch defences and grow with the squad. Instead, he leaves south London without a single goal in 26 appearances, a stark return for a player of his talent and reputation.

A change of scenery now brings him to Everton, where his direct running and work rate should fit the demands of Goodison Park. For Sean Dyche’s side, Johnson represents a different profile to McNeil: less of a traditional wide creator, more of a vertical threat who can attack space and press from the front.

For Palace, McNeil offers something more measured. A left‑footed technician, strong on delivery and ball retention, he arrives into a team that, despite finishing 15th in the league, earned a place in the Europa League after lifting the Conference League. Palace need depth and reliability to balance the extra European workload; McNeil has spent his career grinding through exactly that sort of schedule and pressure.

A swap with an immediate edge

Everton ended last season 13th, Palace 15th, but the table tells only part of the story. One club is still clawing at stability, the other trying to turn a cup triumph into a sustained European presence. Both have gambled that a change of winger can shift their attacking rhythm.

There will be no gentle bedding‑in period either. The fixture list has ensured that.

Everton and Crystal Palace meet on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. McNeil in Palace colours. Johnson in Everton blue. Two players, two fresh starts, and a straight swap judged in front of both fanbases from day one.