Crystal Palace have already added some much-needed defensive experience to Pierre Sage’s squad this summer after losing Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea.
In the week, the Eagles completed the signing of former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after the Japan international impressed during a trial.
Tomiyasu joins fellow free transfer Oscar Mingueza at Selhurst Park, but attention behind the scenes now appears to be turning towards the other end of the pitch.
One player who came remarkably close to becoming a Palace player during the winter transfer window was Everton winger Dwight McNeil.
The Eagles even submitted a deal sheet shortly before the deadline as they attempted to complete a loan move containing a £20m obligation to buy.
McNeil had begun a medical and agreed terms, but Palace were forced to pull the plug as the relevant paperwork was not completed in time. A winger who did arrive in January was Brennan Johnson, costing a then club-record £35m from Tottenham.
|
2025/26 Premier League stats |
Brennan Johnson |
Dwight McNeil |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
34 |
22 |
|
Minutes |
1,722 |
1,168 |
|
Goals |
2 |
0 |
|
Assists |
1 |
1 |
|
Goal contributions |
3 |
1 |
|
Assists per 90 |
0.05 |
0.08 |
|
xG per 90 |
0.14 |
0.12 |
|
xA per 90 |
0.10 |
0.12 |
The Wales international has endured a difficult start to life in south London and failed to score across his first 26 appearances for the Eagles.
Six months later, Johnson could be on his way out and McNeil could finally be on the way in following tough 2025/26 campaigns.
McNeil keen on Crystal Palace transfer
TEAMtalk have reiterated the ongoing speculation that Palace and Everton have indeed held talks over a potential swap deal involving McNeil and Johnson, but despite the player’s having the same agency, a deal is described as ‘very difficult’.
They have provided an update on the player’s feelings towards a deal, which was previously unknown. It is claimed that Johnson is keen to leave, whereas ‘McNeil is attracted by the possibility of moving to Selhurst Park’.
Paul Joyce of The Times has since stated that a deal is close over a straight exchange for the wide men, with medicals potentially taking place on Monday.
The “magic” Everton man isn’t blessed with Johnson’s raw acceleration, but his left foot, crossing ability and creativity could provide Palace with another reliable source of chances from wide areas for the likes of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah.
McNeil can operate from either flank but is most comfortable starting from the left, where he can deliver into the penalty area or drift inside to create.
The 6ft winger also has extensive Premier League experience from his spells with Burnley and Everton, meaning Palace would be acquiring someone capable of immediately slotting into Sage’s squad rather than requiring a lengthy adaptation period to English football.
If the clubs bridge the difference between their valuations, McNeil could finally become a Crystal Palace player, making this one to keep an eye on ahead of the Eagles’ Premier League opener at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22nd.
