Everton and Crystal Palace complete player swap of McNeil and Johnson

Everton confirmed the acquisition of Wales winger Brennan Johnson on a four-year contract, sending him from Crystal Palace to Goodison Park. The 25-year-old, who moved to Palace from Tottenham Hotspur for £35 million, had made 26 appearances without scoring. In exchange, 26-year-old Dwight McNeil heads to Selhurst Park, completing a swap that had previously stalled when a loan-to-buy deal could not be finalized in time.

McNeil’s partner Megan Sharpley publicly accused Palace of harming his mental health after the failed transfer. Johnson, who earned 45 caps for Wales and scored the winning goal in last May’s Europa League final, said he was eager to join Everton because of the manager, squad and club ambitions. Everton, who finished 13th last season, aim to return to European competition and pursue trophies.