Everton and Crystal Palace have held talks over a potential swap deal involving wingers Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson, according to The Times. However, a significant gap in the players' valuations is expected to make an agreement difficult to reach.
Background of the proposed swap
McNeil came close to joining Palace in the winter transfer window earlier this year, but the move collapsed at the last minute. Johnson, meanwhile, only arrived at Selhurst Park in January from Tottenham Hotspur for £35 million, but his time in south London has been challenging. The Wales international has added the UEFA Conference League title to his CV, having won the Europa League with Spurs the previous season, yet he has failed to score in 26 appearances for Palace and was an unused substitute in the Conference League final win over Rayo Vallecano.
Valuation gap complicates talks
The Times reports that talks have been held over a possible swap, but the clubs are far apart on player values. Palace paid £35 million for Johnson just eight months ago and are reluctant to accept a significant depreciation. Johnson, 25, signed a four-and-a-half-year contract when he moved from Spurs. McNeil, 26, is in the final year of his Everton contract, having joined for £20 million from Burnley in 2022. In January, Palace's proposed deal was a loan with a £20 million obligation to buy, so Everton will struggle to argue McNeil's value matches Johnson's. A straight swap appears very unlikely, though separate transfers could be arranged, with Everton paying more for Johnson than Palace would for McNeil.
McNeil's recent form and personal impact
McNeil made 25 appearances for Everton last season without scoring. The collapsed January move drew widespread attention after McNeil's partner, Megan Sharpley, spoke publicly about the emotional toll. She described the experience as 'brutal,' saying, 'Tonight, and the last 48 hours, have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you. To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster, and to be toyed with until the final minute.'
Sharpley highlighted the human cost of transfer deadlines, adding: 'We live in a world where everyone is aware how big of a problem mental health is. So in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money, that it's okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that's just "part of the job"? No matter of money, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and fairly.'
Industry reaction and outlook
Sharpley's comments sparked debate about player welfare in football, with many questioning the industry's practices. As talks continue, the likelihood of a swap remains low, but the situation underscores the complexities of modern transfer negotiations.
