Everton and Crystal Palace pursue swap deal for McNeil and Johnson
Clubs aim to finalise agreement this week ahead of Premier League fixture.
Everton and Crystal Palace are in advanced negotiations regarding a player swap deal that would see Everton winger Dwight McNeil transfer to Crystal Palace, while Wales international Brennan Johnson moves to Goodison Park. Both clubs are targeting a conclusion to the agreement within the current week.
The proposed exchange follows a collapsed loan-to-buy attempt in February, which involved McNeil passing a medical but failing to complete the necessary paperwork in time. The administrative delays prompted a public criticism from McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, who highlighted the negative impact on the player’s mental health.
Johnson, who joined Crystal Palace for £35m in January, has made 26 appearances for the club, scoring once. His move to Selhurst Park follows a period at Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored the winning goal in the Europa League final in May 2025.
McNeil, who arrived at Everton from Burnley for £20m in July 2022, has scored 15 goals in 128 appearances. The potential transfer comes as both clubs prepare for the new Premier League campaign, with Everton finishing 13th last season and Palace 15th.
Crystal Palace will compete in the Europa League in the 2026-27 season following their Conference League victory over Rayo Vallecano. Johnson was an unused substitute in that final, while McNeil has established himself as a key figure for the Toffees.
The two sides are scheduled to meet at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 22 August, in the opening weekend of the Premier League season. The outcome of the current talks could significantly alter the squad compositions for both clubs ahead of this fixture.
