Everton and Crystal Palace confirmed on Tuesday the completion of a player exchange deal involving wingers Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil. Both players have committed to their new clubs by signing four-year contracts.
Wales international Brennan Johnson joins David Moyes’ Everton side following a brief stint at Palace, having moved there in January from Tottenham for £35 million ($47 million). The 25-year-old previously scored the decisive goal in Spurs’ Europa League final victory and was an unused substitute during their recent UEFA Conference League title win. Reflecting on his move, Johnson told Everton TV that the manager, the squad, and the club’s overall trajectory were key factors in his decision, adding that he feels the partnership is a perfect match.
Moving in the opposite direction, 26-year-old Dwight McNeil has joined Crystal Palace. The former England under-21 international was previously linked with a move to the Eagles during the January transfer window, though that deal failed to materialize at the time. Expressing his enthusiasm for the transfer, McNeil told the Crystal Palace website that he is eager to contribute to the success the team has enjoyed over the past two seasons.
The swap comes as both clubs look to improve on their previous Premier League standings. Everton finished the last campaign in 13th place following a difficult conclusion to their season, while Crystal Palace ended the year two spots below them in the table.
The 25-year-old was an unused substitute in the London club’s UEFA Conference League final success, 12 months after scoring Spurs’ winning goal in their Europa League final victory.
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