Everton and Palace complete McNeil-Johnson swap

Everton and Crystal Palace have finalized a swap deal involving midfielder Brennan Johnson and defender Dwight McNeil. As part of the agreement, 25-year-old Johnson has signed a four-year contract with the Toffees, while McNeil, 26, has agreed to a deal until 2030. McNeil, who had previously been close to joining Palace in February, has now moved in the opposite direction.

Johnson, who joined Tottenham Hotspur from Nottingham Forest for a fee exceeding £45 million in 2023, scored the winning goal in the Europa League final last May. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining Everton, praising the club's ambitions and the manager. McNeil, who joined Everton from Burnley for £20 million in 2022, is excited about joining a team that has recently secured multiple trophies.

Palace chairman Steve Parish praised McNeil as a player with proven ability in the Premier League. The two clubs will face each other at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22, marking the opening weekend of the Premier League season.