Everton and Crystal Palace complete Brennan Johnson-Dwight McNeil swap deal

Everton and Crystal Palace have completed a swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson.

Johnson, 25, has signed a four-year deal that sees him move to Hill Dickinson Stadium on a contract until 2030. McNeil, 26, has signed a four-year deal with Palace.

Johnson only joined Palace in January, arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £35million (€40m; $47m), a then-club record fee. The Wales international had finished as Spurs’ top goalscorer in the 2024-25 season, scoring 18 goals, but struggled to replicate that form at Palace, failing to find the net in any of his 26 appearances in all competitions.

The move to Everton sees Johnson represent his third Premier League club, having come through the academy at Nottingham Forest and having helped the team avoid relegation from the top flight in 2022-23.

Welcome to the Toffees, Brennan! pic.twitter.com/r3CIcOK8uJ

— Everton (@Everton) August 11, 2026

“There were a lot of reasons why I was so keen to join,” Johnson told his new club’s website. “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.

“I want to come in and show what I can do. The manager (David Moyes) 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.

Dwight McNeil appeared set to join Crystal Palace in the winter window (Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

“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 is Everton’s third new arrival of the summer, following the signings of Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard. Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl have both also joined the club permanently after their loan spells last season.

Time for a new challenge. pic.twitter.com/5Co8V4ZKZI

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 11, 2026

“I’m really happy to be here,” McNeil told Palace’s website. “I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“The lads have had some success over the last two seasons, so I’m really looking forward to meeting them and cracking on.

“With winning the FA Cup, and then last season winning the Conference League, and now this season they’re in the Europa League… it’s something I want to be a part of, so I’m really looking forward to getting started.

McNeil had appeared to be heading to Palace on deadline day earlier this year after the two sides reached an agreement on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for a £20million fee. But the paperwork was not completed before the deadline and the move broke down.

McNeil made 26 appearances in all competitions last campaign for Everton, starting 14 Premier League games, but did not score.