In one of the most unexpected Premier League transfer twists of the summer, Everton and Crystal Palace have reached an agreement on a straight player swap involving wingers Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil.
In a rarity for modern English football—where straight player exchanges without cash adjustments have virtually disappeared—both clubs have agreed to a 1-to-1 trade with no transfer fees involved.
Both sides are now exchanging formal documentation, with medical examinations scheduled to take place within the next 72 hours.
Everton have lacked blistering dynamic pace on the right wing, a core attribute Johnson possessed during his stellar spell at Nottingham Forest and early days at Tottenham Hotspur. In addition to that, Johnson gives Moyes flexibility across the front line as both a right winger and a central attacking option.
Dwight McNeil had entered the final 12 months of his contract at Goodison Park. Getting a 25-year-old international in exchange for a player who could walk for free next summer is seen as major business.
Palace famously came within minutes of signing McNeil during the January deadline day, only for the loan-to-buy deal to collapse due to late paperwork. They retain a long-standing admiration for his ball delivery, defensive work rate, and Premier League experience. Having paid a club-record £35m to acquire Johnson from Spurs in January, the Welsh international struggled to settle in South London. Swapping him for a proven crossing specialist allows Palace to reset their tactical setup.
