Everton have confirmed the signing of Wales winger Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace, with Dwight McNeil heading the other way in a rare swap deal.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal and becomes the fifth permanent arrival of the summer after Merlin Rohl, Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Christian Norgaard.
Speaking about his move, Johnson said:
“I’m so excited to be here. The club speaks for itself – it’s a massive club and one that when I first heard of the interest, I immediately wanted
to come and be part of it.
“There were a lot of reasons why I was so keen to join – the manager, the players, the direction the team is going in. 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, so it feels like a really good match.”
Everton were first linked with Johnson five years ago when he was still at Nottingham Forest, but Forest’s promotion in 2022 ended any immediate hope of luring him away from the City Ground.
Johnson eventually did leave in the summer of 2023 to Tottenham for £47.5m. He scored 27 goals in 107 games for Spurs. He netted 18 in the 2024-25 season alone, including the winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final.
He struggled for minutes under new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank the following season and joined Crystal Palace in January for around £35m. However, the move did not work out. Johnson failed to score and managed just two assists in 26 appearances.
A fresh start therefore looks to be the best way of reviving his career – something David Moyes has been known for during his time at the Toffees.
Johnson added:
“The manager spoke to me about getting back to the form that I’ve shown previously, and that’s a massive thing for me – the fact he knows and believes in what I can do. For me, listening to him – a manager who is so experienced and someone who has been so successful – it was really nice to hear.
I want to bring all of my attributes. First and foremost, I’ll work for the team, the fans, and represent the club properly. I know that’s something that’s definitely appreciated and a non-negotiable here. They can expect that from me. On top of that, I think I can bring speed, goals and everything I’ve got.
“The incredible fanbase that Everton has, whether it’s home or away, is something I’ve always felt. It’s a massive honour to be here and play for them now.”
Johnson’s arrival sees McNeil finally make the switch to south London. He was supposed to join on deadline day but the deal collapsed despite Everton completing their paperwork and McNeil having a medical. Palace submitted a deal sheet but for whatever reason the move was not finalised.
McNeil’s partner Megan Sharpley was heavily critical of Palace, accusing the club of “messing” with his mental health. There was sympathy from Everton and Evertonians though, with the fans giving him a warm reception the next game.
McNeil had fallen out of favour at that point and some of the fans had started to get on his back, but there was also a recognition that players are human too and the saga had clearly had an impact.
It is perhaps little surprise that Palace have revived the deal, though getting Johnson in return feels a good deal for the Toffees.
McNeil has a wand of a left foot and scored some spectacular – and very important – goals during some difficult times. But he is also incredibly one-footed and not the quickest. In a certain system he is effective, but he never looked comfortable in David Moyes’ team. Johnson’s pace, directness and eye for goal is just what’s needed.
McNeil will though leave with the fans’ best wishes. He joined Everton with the club in a difficult place and under the constant strain of relegation battles. The former Burnley man certainly played his part in keeping the club away from the abyss – not least in the massive 5-1 win at Brighton in 2022-23, which was arguably the key result in keeping the team up.
Like Johnson, he deserves a fresh start. We wish him well – just not on the opening day!
