Everton have entered discussions with Crystal Palace over a potential straight swap deal that would see winger Dwight McNeil move to Selhurst Park in exchange for Brennan Johnson returning to Merseyside, according to reports in the local and national media. The prospect of a player-for-player arrangement—rare in the modern Premier League market—has quickly become a central theme of Everton’s summer planning as manager David Moyes looks to reshape his attacking options.
The Liverpool Echo reports that Everton are in talks with Palace over an exchange involving both players, with the discussions described as a straight swap rather than a deal requiring any additional payment. The development would represent a boost for Everton, who have been identified as needing extra support on the right wing. Johnson, meanwhile, would offer Moyes an alternative route to goals from advanced positions, potentially giving him more variety up front as he recalibrates the squad. Liverpool Echo
BBC Sport has similarly outlined the basic framework of the proposal: Everton’s McNeil would join Crystal Palace, while the Wales international Johnson would move in the opposite direction. That reporting also suggests both clubs are aiming to conclude the deal swiftly, with the negotiations framed as an attempt to move beyond the uncertainty that can often stall high-profile moves. BBC Sport
For Everton, the lure of Johnson is tied not only to position but to the upside of a player with proven experience at a higher level of stakes. Johnson is 25 and has played 45 times for Wales. He has also been involved in European competition, scoring the winning goal for Tottenham in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May 2025—an achievement that underlines his capacity for decisive moments. BBC Sport
Palace’s motivation for considering Johnson departures is framed by his current output. The BBC notes that Johnson did not score in 26 appearances for Palace across all competitions, including 13 Premier League starts. While the wider context of performances can be more complex than a single metric, that goal return has been part of the narrative around whether he is delivering the consistently decisive contribution Palace need.
The reports also provide background on why this exchange has gained momentum again. McNeil, a key figure for Everton, arrived from Burnley in July 2022 for £20 million. In his spell with the Toffees, he scored 15 times in 128 games across all competitions. His value to Everton has often been linked to work rate and direct involvement in matchday patterns, but with Moyes seeking additional attacking balance, a move that includes him becomes plausible if Palace are willing to swap rather than buy.
Crystal Palace’s own recent history in Europe adds another layer to the timing. Palace finished two places below Everton in the league standings last season and will play in the Europa League in 2026-27 after winning the Conference League. Johnson’s European involvement is also noted in the reporting: he joined Palace in a £35 million deal in January and helped the club reach the Conference League final, before being an unused substitute in Palace’s 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano as the Eagles secured their first European trophy.
From Everton’s perspective, a Johnson addition would address a specific sporting concern that has been highlighted in the reporting: the need for reinforcement on the right wing. The assumption is that the Welsh forward could both widen play and provide another option for Moyes when selecting his attacking line, particularly when tactics require balance between wide threat and central penetration. In a squad-building season where Moyes may want flexibility, a player swap that keeps cash tied up may also suit the club’s broader constraints.
Elsewhere, the deal narrative has included indications that the exchange is being treated as “straight” and potentially fast-moving. GiveMeSport, citing journalist Paul Joyce, suggested the swap would not require any extra money and that medical checks could take place as early as Monday. The same source also referenced that McNeil had been close to a move to Selhurst Park during the January transfer window of the previous season, but the arrangement fell through at the final hurdle—an episode that may have left unfinished business for both clubs to revisit. GiveMeSport
While the reports do not confirm that the swap is fully agreed, the repeated emphasis across multiple outlets on Everton being “in talks” indicates serious negotiation rather than speculation. The key question for supporters is whether the straight-swap structure—rather than an opportunity to add funds or reshape the market value through a bidding process—will ultimately satisfy each club’s internal targets.
For Palace, retaining or replacing Johnson hinges on the club’s evaluation of how his role fits into their overall system and whether a McNeil exchange would deliver the creative and wide dynamism needed, particularly given McNeil’s established Premier League experience. For Everton, the potential arrival of Johnson would be a direct attempt to upgrade their right-sided threat and offer another striking option for Moyes, especially if the club wants solutions that can be integrated quickly.
As the two clubs weigh up squad needs, contracts, and the practicalities of player movement, the coming days are likely to be decisive. With reports indicating an ambition to conclude the deal this week, Everton fans may soon learn whether the rare swap concept—featuring two well-known Premier League attackers—becomes a reality rather than a negotiation snapshot.
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