As unlikely as it sounds, it is going ahead. Multiple media sources are now reporting that the winger swap between Everton and Crystal Palace is close to completion with Dwight McNeil going to the Eagles, and Brennan Johnson going the other way. Both players are scheduled to have medicals at the respective clubs today, with McNeil finally getting his chance to go to London after his transfer to Palace fell through in the last minutes of deadline day in January this year with paperwork not being completed
in time.
Johnson is 25, and only moved to Crystal Palace in January this year for £35million, then a club record transfer fee, from Tottenham Hotspur but that move has not worked out for either the player or the club. Despite getting multiple opportunities to play and prove himself, the output has simply not been there for a player who had been electric while at Spurs. In all he made 26 appearances, starting 16 games and providing just two assists.
The Wales international is a product of the Nottingham Forest academy, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season. He moved to Spurs in September 2023 for a massive £47.5m fee, and then made over 100 appearances for Tottenham. Johnson had 27 goals for Spurs, including the match winner in the Europa League final that secured their first trophy in 17 years.
Johnson brings a direct running style with his electric pace that allows him to get behind the opposition backline, something which no one on the Everton squad can do. He is at his best on the right but can also work well on the left, and measures very positively with his defensive workrate upfront, his energy being well-suited to a high press that can win the ball early and immediately convert it into a scoring chance.
The Welsh international has 45 caps with seven goals, and rates above average to nearly elite in a number of categories. Granted both players had a down year last season, but Johnson’s output a couple of seasons ago leading to his transfer was electric and that is what Everton are banking on, while Palace will be wanting McNeil’s ability to pick a pass and his excellent deadball delivery.
On paper this looks to greatly favour the Blues, but both clubs get what they want and that is what will matter at the end of the day. McNeil signed with the Toffees for about £20m, and has a book value of about £4m left. Johnson joined the Eagles on a four and a half year deal, so his book value is still over £30m. A swap deal like this gives the Blues an asset that they can easily turn over for a profit if he doesn’t work out over the next year or so.
McNeil leaves the Blues having served the club well in his time here, scoring 15 goals and 17 assists in 128 appearances. He acquired the nickname ‘Paintbrush’ from his Everton teammates for his artistry with his left-foot. However, he does lack in pace and often his one-footedness meant he was easily foiled on the ball. The 26-year-old will leave the club having made a good impression and should be wished well by the fans.
