Everton and Crystal Palace agree swap deal for Johnson and McNeil
The Toffees’ fifth signing of the window resolves valuation disputes, while Palace bolster their ranks under new leadership
Everton and Crystal Palace have finalised a swap agreement involving wingers Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil, according to reporting by Fabrizio Romano. The deal resolves earlier valuation discrepancies between the two clubs, with both players commencing medical examinations on Monday.
The agreement marks a significant shift in squad composition for both sides. Johnson is set to become Everton’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, while McNeil moves to Selhurst Park from Goodison Park. The swap provides a strategic boost for Everton manager David Moyes and new Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage as they reshape their attacking options.
Johnson’s arrival adds to Everton’s recent recruitment drive, which has seen the club secure the services of Christian Norgaard from Arsenal, Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, and permanent deals for Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl. The completion of Johnson’s medical is contingent on the successful conclusion of the process, though the structural agreement is in place.
Concurrently, Crystal Palace have been active in the defensive sector, signing Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu as free agents. The addition of McNeil allows Sage to strengthen his attacking ranks following his appointment as manager. The compromise reached between the clubs addresses initial hurdles regarding the players' market valuations.
The transfer activity underscores the ongoing restructuring at both institutions during the summer window. With medical tests underway, the moves are expected to be formalised pending final clearance, solidifying the new tactical directions under Moyes and Sage.
