09/08/2026
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Everton are reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace over a potential swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson.
McNeil saw a transfer to Crystal Palace collapse in the January transfer window, with the winger completing a medical on deadline day ahead of a loan-to-buy move. However, the deal fell through after Palace failed to complete the required paperwork in time.
Crystal Palace remain interested in signing the 26-year-old, who was valued at £20M in January and has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium. According to various outlets, including The Times and talkSPORT, Everton are now in talks with Palace over a deal that could see Wales winger Johnson head in the opposite direction.
Johnson only joined Crystal Palace in January for a then-club record fee of around £35M, but struggled to make the desired impact. He failed to score in 18 Premier League appearances, of which 13 came from the start.
Prior to his move to Crystal Palace, the 25-year-old scored 27 goals in 107 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur. That return included an 18-goal campaign in 2024-25, which culminated with the winner in the club’s Europa League final success against Manchester United. He’s also scored seven times in 45 caps for Wales.
The deal is understood to be a straight swap, a surprise given the Eagles’ investment in Johnson just 7 months ago. The Blues have also been credited with interest in Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier, as David Moyes seeks a natural right-sided option.
Reader Comments (64)
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Ian Bennett
2 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:43:53
2 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:43:53
Improves the squad. Adds pace, can play front 3 positions, and if Moyes can get him right, a player that could score 10 to 15 a season in a position where no one has convinced.
Stunk the gaff out at Palace, but a strange buy when they had Sarr already on the right, and overlooked by Thomas Frank.
3 years ago, this was a £50M player, that in today's market is £65-75M. His star has fallen, but a swap for McNeil and cash looks a good buy initially. Is the motivation there to perform?
Hopefully more shades of Pienaar from Dortmund than Dele Alli from Spurs.
Stunk the gaff out at Palace, but a strange buy when they had Sarr already on the right, and overlooked by Thomas Frank.
3 years ago, this was a £50M player, that in today's market is £65-75M. His star has fallen, but a swap for McNeil and cash looks a good buy initially. Is the motivation there to perform?
Hopefully more shades of Pienaar from Dortmund than Dele Alli from Spurs.
David West
3 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:59:26
3 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:59:26
I mean we moan about our recruitment team, but who the fuck at Palace thinks swapping McNeil for Johnson is good business?
Could be £20M + McNeil? Either way, get it done before they have second (third) thoughts!
Could be £20M + McNeil? Either way, get it done before they have second (third) thoughts!
Mike Powell
4 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:59:32
4 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:59:32
Just sign a right-back.
Brian Harrison
5 Posted 09/08/2026 at 11:28:47
5 Posted 09/08/2026 at 11:28:47
I really find this incredible: last season, Palace pulled the deal at the last minute, and McNeil's partner was very critical of the way Palace had treated them.
So, having been let down so badly, why would you be happy to go back and deal with the same board?
So, having been let down so badly, why would you be happy to go back and deal with the same board?
Eric Haworth
6 Posted 09/08/2026 at 12:06:08
6 Posted 09/08/2026 at 12:06:08
Brian @ 5: totally right, this will never happen.
Dwight's missus would kill him on the spot if he even thought about such a move.
Dwight's missus would kill him on the spot if he even thought about such a move.
Ian Pilkington
7 Posted 09/08/2026 at 12:10:06
7 Posted 09/08/2026 at 12:10:06
An out-of-form dud traded for another one. If the McNeil transfer hadn't fallen through last season, we would have received £20M with the added bonus of Moyes unable to select him again.
Meanwhile, no right-back, no Grealish (as yet)... and catastrophically no strikers.
Meanwhile, no right-back, no Grealish (as yet)... and catastrophically no strikers.
Gavin Johnson
8 Posted 09/08/2026 at 13:01:21
8 Posted 09/08/2026 at 13:01:21
Brian #5,
Apparently the deal broke down because Mateta's move to Milan collapsed due to a failed medical which had a knock-on effect on McNeil's transfer.
You could look at it that Palace realise they were cack handed in how they acted, they still want the player, and they want to right any wrongs.
I really hope this happens. Johnson is direct, has pace and can score goals.
Apparently the deal broke down because Mateta's move to Milan collapsed due to a failed medical which had a knock-on effect on McNeil's transfer.
You could look at it that Palace realise they were cack handed in how they acted, they still want the player, and they want to right any wrongs.
I really hope this happens. Johnson is direct, has pace and can score goals.
Harry Diamond
9 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:15:09
9 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:15:09
The Times reporting now in an update that the deal is a straight swap.
Gavin Johnson
10 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:19:10
10 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:19:10
I've just seen that Paul Joyce is saying it's a straight swap, but does anyone seriously believe that...?!
Johnson cost £35M back in January, and McNeil now in the final year of his contract, will be worth less than the £20M Palace were agreeing to pay in January before the deal broke down.
I really hope this one happens, but will be extremely surprised if it's a straight swap... and that's if it happens at all.
Johnson cost £35M back in January, and McNeil now in the final year of his contract, will be worth less than the £20M Palace were agreeing to pay in January before the deal broke down.
I really hope this one happens, but will be extremely surprised if it's a straight swap... and that's if it happens at all.
Brendan McLaughlin
11 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:23:11
11 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:23:11
What's the one about... "if it sounds too good to be true..."
Gavin Johnson
12 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:27:16
12 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:27:16
El Bobble is also tweeting on it saying both players are interested in the deal, so it looks like the story has some legs.
I still highly doubt it will be a straight swap and we won't be paying a cash adjustment though.
I still highly doubt it will be a straight swap and we won't be paying a cash adjustment though.
Kevin Molloy
13 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:34:06
13 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:34:06
Once he gets over his broken leg, there's no reason Johnson can't play a full part in the season.
Can't imagine McNeil's better half will be too impressed if this goes belly up again. You get the impression Palace are a bit slow at this negotiating lark. Six months ago it was:
'So, £25M and he's yours, yes?'
'Yeah, yeah, that's it. £25M.'
2 hours later: 'Hang on...'
And now, we've agreed a swap deal... haven't we?
Can't imagine McNeil's better half will be too impressed if this goes belly up again. You get the impression Palace are a bit slow at this negotiating lark. Six months ago it was:
'So, £25M and he's yours, yes?'
'Yeah, yeah, that's it. £25M.'
2 hours later: 'Hang on...'
And now, we've agreed a swap deal... haven't we?
Andrew Merrick
14 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:39:23
14 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:39:23
If this has legs let it run
Si Cooper
15 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:41:24
15 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:41:24
Brian and Eric (5 and 6), you have to factor in that Dwight was obviously fully persuaded to go to sign for them in January, and if they are now prepared to make it up to the couple, then bygones can surely be bygones.
This is not a deal I would be averse to, if for no other reason than freshening up our options. I don't particularly crave Brennan Johnson as there are plenty of players who have absolutely fizzed for a season or two but then really lost their way, and currently he is one of those.
This is not a deal I would be averse to, if for no other reason than freshening up our options. I don't particularly crave Brennan Johnson as there are plenty of players who have absolutely fizzed for a season or two but then really lost their way, and currently he is one of those.
Michael Kenrick
16 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:58:41
16 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:58:41
Most of us know not to take you seriously, Kevin @13, but I am informed that Brennan Johnson does not have a broken leg... although that could go some way to explain his pathetic goalscoring record of Zero Goals while at Crystal Palace.
What might well be true is that the Crystal Palace forward is dealing with a minor muscle strain and his status is currently considered touch-and-go ahead of the club's upcoming fixtures...
What might well be true is that the Crystal Palace forward is dealing with a minor muscle strain and his status is currently considered touch-and-go ahead of the club's upcoming fixtures...
John Pickles
17 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:59:11
17 Posted 09/08/2026 at 14:59:11
If Johnson is in to replace McNeil, then great.
But if he is in to replace Ndiaye or instead of Grealish, then not great.
But if he is in to replace Ndiaye or instead of Grealish, then not great.
Rocco Bugaj
18 Posted 09/08/2026 at 15:06:16
18 Posted 09/08/2026 at 15:06:16
The Johnson swap for McNeil sounds good.
However, money would then still have to flow in the direction of Everton. After all, McNeil was indispensable to us for years...
However, money would then still have to flow in the direction of Everton. After all, McNeil was indispensable to us for years...
Derek Knox
19 Posted 09/08/2026 at 15:13:02
19 Posted 09/08/2026 at 15:13:02
We all talk about getting a B J -- now we may have one!
I won't believe it until he is paraded round wearing the top and a bag of Halewood Fish Bar Chips in his meat hooks! Not sure how it will fare, but glad to see the back of McTreacle if true.
Now, how about a right-back at least and someone who knows how to both control a ball and score up front!
I won't believe it until he is paraded round wearing the top and a bag of Halewood Fish Bar Chips in his meat hooks! Not sure how it will fare, but glad to see the back of McTreacle if true.
Now, how about a right-back at least and someone who knows how to both control a ball and score up front!
Gavin Johnson
20 Posted 09/08/2026 at 15:22:41
20 Posted 09/08/2026 at 15:22:41
The consensus from Spurs and Palace fans is that, while he has pace, he rarely beats a man, and can go missing in games.
However, for the criticism, he did get 18 goals in his first Spurs season, and he would have put away some of the chances Beto missed yesterday. He thrives on low crosses connecting on the far post.
In that summary, you can maybe see why he's bombed so much at Palace because, without the goals, he's otherwise a bad player. That all said, if he can get at least half-a-dozen goals a season, he will still be an upgrade on McNeil.
However, for the criticism, he did get 18 goals in his first Spurs season, and he would have put away some of the chances Beto missed yesterday. He thrives on low crosses connecting on the far post.
In that summary, you can maybe see why he's bombed so much at Palace because, without the goals, he's otherwise a bad player. That all said, if he can get at least half-a-dozen goals a season, he will still be an upgrade on McNeil.
Paul Hewitt
21 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:10:22
21 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:10:22
If this happens then it's a fantastic deal for us.
Ashley Krotosky
22 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:28:58
22 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:28:58
The last time we bought a 'Johnson' from Palace, (Andy) it wasn't our worst acquisition.
An Andy equivalent now would certainly be an upgrade on our present pair of strikers, albeit that's a low bar.
An Andy equivalent now would certainly be an upgrade on our present pair of strikers, albeit that's a low bar.
Derek Knox
23 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:38:38
23 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:38:38
Ashley, how dare you compare strikers to those pair of misfiring buffoons we have, on strikers wages, but a Goalkeepers goal tally ! :-)
Danny Baily
24 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:42:46
24 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:42:46
This would be a phenomenal deal for us.
It's almost too good to be true.
It's almost too good to be true.
Sean Mitchell
25 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:43:39
25 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:43:39
Make it happen. McNeil is amongst the current relegation-battling players who should have long gone. Johnson can play along the front 3 and has pace.
It could work. But we've been linked with players all summer and nothing has happened. It's just rumours at the moment.
It could work. But we've been linked with players all summer and nothing has happened. It's just rumours at the moment.
Ian Wilkins
26 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:47:01
26 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:47:01
Both Thomas Frank and Glasner chose to overlook Johnson. 0 goals 1 assist last season.
Are we swapping one dud for another…?
Are we swapping one dud for another…?
Jack Convery
27 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:59:04
27 Posted 09/08/2026 at 16:59:04
According to TransferMarkt his career stats are:
RW: PL 132 Goals 32 Assts 23
CF: PL 55 Goals 20 Assts 5
LW: PL 45 Goals 12 Assts 5
AM: PL 33 Goals 7 Assts 3
RB: PL 0 Goals 0 Assts 0
At Spurs: PL 107 Goals 27 Assts 18
For Palace: PL 26 Goals 0 Assts 2
Last Season Played for Spurs and Palace. (Sold in January 26 ).
All Comps PL 48 Goals 4 Assts 2 (31 starts. Total Time Played 1723 minutes),
He's 25, A Welsh International - 45 Caps Goals 7. Height 6ft 1in. Age 25. Not 26 until May 2027. TransferMarkt value him at £30M.
RW: PL 132 Goals 32 Assts 23
CF: PL 55 Goals 20 Assts 5
LW: PL 45 Goals 12 Assts 5
AM: PL 33 Goals 7 Assts 3
RB: PL 0 Goals 0 Assts 0
At Spurs: PL 107 Goals 27 Assts 18
For Palace: PL 26 Goals 0 Assts 2
Last Season Played for Spurs and Palace. (Sold in January 26 ).
All Comps PL 48 Goals 4 Assts 2 (31 starts. Total Time Played 1723 minutes),
He's 25, A Welsh International - 45 Caps Goals 7. Height 6ft 1in. Age 25. Not 26 until May 2027. TransferMarkt value him at £30M.
Mike Gaynes
28 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:18:33
28 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:18:33
A £35M player for a £20M player, straight swap?
Pinch me, I'm dreaming.
Pinch me, I'm dreaming.
David West
29 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:39:12
29 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:39:12
Mike. If only right?
When do you ever take an old car to a dealer and they say, "Yeah, give me your old car and we'll give you this newer model"?
"No, we'll take your old car, you give us £X amount, and you can have this upgrade."
Johnson would be great, if we can get him by using McNeil in any capacity to get the deal done; I'm all for it. The issues surely are the past disappointment for him and his family with Palace?
Hard to see this really happening, unless for some reason Dwight really fancies it at Palace.
When do you ever take an old car to a dealer and they say, "Yeah, give me your old car and we'll give you this newer model"?
"No, we'll take your old car, you give us £X amount, and you can have this upgrade."
Johnson would be great, if we can get him by using McNeil in any capacity to get the deal done; I'm all for it. The issues surely are the past disappointment for him and his family with Palace?
Hard to see this really happening, unless for some reason Dwight really fancies it at Palace.
Mike Gaynes
30 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:46:24
30 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:46:24
David, never mind what Dwight fancies.
I would love to sit in on the meeting between the Palace DoF Hobbs and Megan McNeil (or are they not married yet?) over what happened in January.
She'll punch his lights out.
I would love to sit in on the meeting between the Palace DoF Hobbs and Megan McNeil (or are they not married yet?) over what happened in January.
She'll punch his lights out.
Ryan Holroyd
31 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:47:15
31 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:47:15
Johnson is on a much higher wage than McNeil
Ajay Gopal
32 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:51:01
32 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:51:01
Hmmm... Palace fans can't believe their luck, and Everton fans can't believe their luck!
Brennan Johnson's form seems to have fallen off a cliff. McNeil, one suspects, wherever he moves, will score a belter against us.
I would have rather just sold McNeil for whatever money (£15M at least) and use that money (plus some more) to try and lure Richarlison away from Spurs.
Brennan Johnson's form seems to have fallen off a cliff. McNeil, one suspects, wherever he moves, will score a belter against us.
I would have rather just sold McNeil for whatever money (£15M at least) and use that money (plus some more) to try and lure Richarlison away from Spurs.
Jim Bennings
33 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:58:21
33 Posted 09/08/2026 at 18:58:21
Johnson has a much greater ceiling than McNeil.
He's had a pretty poor time of it at Palace but there was a hell of a player there at Forest that made Spurs go out and sign him in what was touted at that time as one of the best coups of that particular transfer window.
If he can rediscover any kind of his prior form, then we have a fairly good player, plus he is very very fast.
McNeil is exposed at this level now, very much a Dyche player, he was a decent player's player in that dark period of time when just reaching 38 points was deemed success but we need better than that now.
It will be a fresh start for Dwight himself too, which he needs... so, if this deal does go through, everyone is fine with it.
He's had a pretty poor time of it at Palace but there was a hell of a player there at Forest that made Spurs go out and sign him in what was touted at that time as one of the best coups of that particular transfer window.
If he can rediscover any kind of his prior form, then we have a fairly good player, plus he is very very fast.
McNeil is exposed at this level now, very much a Dyche player, he was a decent player's player in that dark period of time when just reaching 38 points was deemed success but we need better than that now.
It will be a fresh start for Dwight himself too, which he needs... so, if this deal does go through, everyone is fine with it.
David West
34 Posted 09/08/2026 at 19:32:48
34 Posted 09/08/2026 at 19:32:48
Mike.
She hasn't really got to do anything, has she? If she has any sense, her only questions should be: How long is the contract? And how much?!
Dwight probably signing his last major contract, she will know that. If there's enough zeros, last January will be soon forgotten!!
She hasn't really got to do anything, has she? If she has any sense, her only questions should be: How long is the contract? And how much?!
Dwight probably signing his last major contract, she will know that. If there's enough zeros, last January will be soon forgotten!!
Anthony Dove
35 Posted 09/08/2026 at 20:00:06
35 Posted 09/08/2026 at 20:00:06
Please no! He's quick but useless.
Just ask Spurs fans what they think... and now Palace want rid.
Just ask Spurs fans what they think... and now Palace want rid.
Anthony Dove
36 Posted 09/08/2026 at 20:09:43
36 Posted 09/08/2026 at 20:09:43
Thinking further about this... maybe some are being swayed by the thought that exchanging McNeil for Johnson is somehow good business.
I actually think we've had our money's worth out of McNeil but, to get someone who will take us forward, you would need to put McNeil and Johnson in a blender.
I actually think we've had our money's worth out of McNeil but, to get someone who will take us forward, you would need to put McNeil and Johnson in a blender.
Gavin Johnson
37 Posted 09/08/2026 at 20:46:47
37 Posted 09/08/2026 at 20:46:47
Anthony, much like our own views of McNeil, Spurs supporters tended to focus on Johnson's shortcomings instead of what he was able to do. His shortcomings according to their fans are that he could look anonymous in games, and despite his speed, he rarely beat a man.
Now, if you look at his goal record at Spurs being their top scorer with 11 league goals and 18 total including cup games, you really don't think a player like that would improve us at all...??
If we don't do this deal, we could maybe be able to sell McNeil for £15M at the most, being in his final year. You would never get Brennan Johnson for that money. He cost Spurs £50M 2 years ago because he had an excellent goal return at Forest for a wide attacker.
His goal record playing mainly on the right wing at Spurs was also good. It just hasn't worked out for him at Palace, but it's very much a David Moyes deal. Think of Arteta's situation at Real Sociedad when we bought him.
Personally, I don't care if he looks anonymous in games sometimes, if he can get double-figure goals playing in Royal Blue. We don't have the luxury to criticise a player with that kind of goal return, like Spurs supporters can, where the club currently is.
Now, if you look at his goal record at Spurs being their top scorer with 11 league goals and 18 total including cup games, you really don't think a player like that would improve us at all...??
If we don't do this deal, we could maybe be able to sell McNeil for £15M at the most, being in his final year. You would never get Brennan Johnson for that money. He cost Spurs £50M 2 years ago because he had an excellent goal return at Forest for a wide attacker.
His goal record playing mainly on the right wing at Spurs was also good. It just hasn't worked out for him at Palace, but it's very much a David Moyes deal. Think of Arteta's situation at Real Sociedad when we bought him.
Personally, I don't care if he looks anonymous in games sometimes, if he can get double-figure goals playing in Royal Blue. We don't have the luxury to criticise a player with that kind of goal return, like Spurs supporters can, where the club currently is.
Mike Gaynes
38 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:09:21
38 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:09:21
David 34,
If someone had treated your spouse the way Palace treated hers, would you be assuaged by money?
If someone had treated your spouse the way Palace treated hers, would you be assuaged by money?
Jay Lewis
39 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:10:31
39 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:10:31
This is gathering momentum, this story.
We've always done alright with Welsh International players in the team: Ratcliffe, Big Nev, Barry Horne, Gary Speed, Pembridge, Pat Van Den Hauwe, Mark Hughes?
Maybe... just maybe?
We've always done alright with Welsh International players in the team: Ratcliffe, Big Nev, Barry Horne, Gary Speed, Pembridge, Pat Van Den Hauwe, Mark Hughes?
Maybe... just maybe?
Gavin Johnson
40 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:16:03
40 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:16:03
Jay, I get your point about Welsh internationals doing well with us, but I do think you are pushing it somewhat by name checking Mark Hughes and Mark Pembridge lol.
Raymond Fox
41 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:36:06
41 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:36:06
Johnsons stats for last season is a red flag, if he was one of ours last season he would be classed as the worst player on the planet.
If you think the bookies know what they are talking about- they usually do- we are likely to finish 11th or 12th as things stand player wise.
If you think the bookies know what they are talking about- they usually do- we are likely to finish 11th or 12th as things stand player wise.
Tom Bowers
42 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:37:31
42 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:37:31
Don't like this deal at all. Yes McNeil should be sent packing but Johnson is not quality and besides we have players in the squad who are better.
I like Rohl as a right back but then his impact as a midfielder would be missing. I think he could be a real hit this season in midfield but we need a capable right back and when Garner returns we will have an overload of midfielders now that Norguard is here..
This is a conundrum Moyes has to deal with but more importantly is the striker problem.
I like Rohl as a right back but then his impact as a midfielder would be missing. I think he could be a real hit this season in midfield but we need a capable right back and when Garner returns we will have an overload of midfielders now that Norguard is here..
This is a conundrum Moyes has to deal with but more importantly is the striker problem.
Paul Hewitt
43 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:51:18
43 Posted 09/08/2026 at 21:51:18
I'm scratching my head at people who don't think this deal is good for us. Johnson was a player I wanted when he was at forest. Sure his move to palace hasn't worked out, but not ever move does. This lad has pace( something we don't have much of). Can score goals and can play on either wing. Plus he's only 25. And we get rid of McNeill. Win win.
Gavin Johnson
44 Posted 09/08/2026 at 22:25:38
44 Posted 09/08/2026 at 22:25:38
I agree Paul. I wanted us to also sign him when he was at Forest, and was also disappointed when we didn't go in for him in Jan when Palace bought him. Who'd have thought fast forward 7 months we'd be getting him on a straight swap for McNeil.
Ian Bennett
45 Posted 09/08/2026 at 22:29:37
45 Posted 09/08/2026 at 22:29:37
Same PH. Mcneil is out of contract next summer.
Id happily trade a player that will walk for free, for a lad that gives us pace and a goal threat in a position where we have little genuine depth.
He has a good scoring record and could really offer something different to the other 3 wingers we have.
How msny times have we looked at the bench and thought there is no one there to turn a game around?
If he exploded at Palace, then this deal wouldnt be on the table.
A worthy gamble.
Id happily trade a player that will walk for free, for a lad that gives us pace and a goal threat in a position where we have little genuine depth.
He has a good scoring record and could really offer something different to the other 3 wingers we have.
How msny times have we looked at the bench and thought there is no one there to turn a game around?
If he exploded at Palace, then this deal wouldnt be on the table.
A worthy gamble.
Martin Berry
46 Posted 09/08/2026 at 00:13:02
46 Posted 09/08/2026 at 00:13:02
I find this a strange one.
Why do Palace what to get rid of a player who cost them 35m and consider a swap for McNeil ? is there something we don't know about this player ?
Why do Palace what to get rid of a player who cost them 35m and consider a swap for McNeil ? is there something we don't know about this player ?
Sam Hoare
47 Posted 09/08/2026 at 00:13:47
47 Posted 09/08/2026 at 00:13:47
This a wage dump by Palace, realising BJ is worth nowhere near the 110k per week they agreed to pay him. We will pick up that tab getting a slight upgrade on McNeill and crucially someone more comfortable on the right. But he will become one of our higher paid players and I suspect many will find him frustrating.
Like others I’d prefer we got the £15m from McNeil and put that towards a talented young RW with potential (Soule or Osorio). But if Johnson rediscovers his confidence he could prove useful.
Like others I’d prefer we got the £15m from McNeil and put that towards a talented young RW with potential (Soule or Osorio). But if Johnson rediscovers his confidence he could prove useful.
Brendan McLaughlin
48 Posted 09/08/2026 at 00:41:10
48 Posted 09/08/2026 at 00:41:10
Would not touch him with a 40 foot barge pole..danger, danger!
Mike Gaynes
49 Posted 10/08/2026 at 02:30:46
49 Posted 10/08/2026 at 02:30:46
Raymond #41, the key words in your post are "as things stand."
Of course the bookies are right -- at this particular moment, with three more weeks of window still open.
It amazes me that people really, truly think this club is going to do absolutely nothing in those three weeks.
Of course the bookies are right -- at this particular moment, with three more weeks of window still open.
It amazes me that people really, truly think this club is going to do absolutely nothing in those three weeks.
Sean Kearns
50 Posted 10/08/2026 at 02:46:30
50 Posted 10/08/2026 at 02:46:30
Big if true
Paul Griffiths
51 Posted 10/08/2026 at 02:59:32
51 Posted 10/08/2026 at 02:59:32
What the fuck was @50 about and what does it have to do with this thread?
Sean Kearns
52 Posted 10/08/2026 at 03:01:26
52 Posted 10/08/2026 at 03:01:26
Dunno la, just a simple comment really 😂
Mike Gaynes
53 Posted 10/08/2026 at 03:25:49
53 Posted 10/08/2026 at 03:25:49
Over two full seasons at Spurs, Johnson registered a goal involvement -- goal or assist -- every 132 minutes. That is a stunning output for a Premier League winger and speaks to some tremendous talent.
We have no way of knowing what went wrong last season, but if that talent can be revived, he could have a significant impact on our attack. And in exchange for an older winger who is now surplus to our requirements and out of contract next year, it's a no-brainer of a deal.
Also, Johnson is under contract until 2030, which adds resale value if he doesn't succeed with us.
Can't really see the downside to this.
We have no way of knowing what went wrong last season, but if that talent can be revived, he could have a significant impact on our attack. And in exchange for an older winger who is now surplus to our requirements and out of contract next year, it's a no-brainer of a deal.
Also, Johnson is under contract until 2030, which adds resale value if he doesn't succeed with us.
Can't really see the downside to this.
Steve Brown
54 Posted 10/08/2026 at 05:15:37
54 Posted 10/08/2026 at 05:15:37
As Sam points out, Palace need Johnson’s wages off the books.
Look at their lack of spending this season summer.
Quick but limited as a player.
Look at their lack of spending this season summer.
Quick but limited as a player.
Alan J Thompson
55 Posted 10/08/2026 at 05:24:37
55 Posted 10/08/2026 at 05:24:37
How many wingers do we want?
Jonathan Oppenheimer
56 Posted 10/08/2026 at 05:36:15
56 Posted 10/08/2026 at 05:36:15
We need at least 4 wingers, so if he comes in, the question is whether Grealish is still on the table if we have Ndiaye, Johnson, George, and Dibling.
Hard to argue with this move if it’s the only way to offload McNeil.
Hard to argue with this move if it’s the only way to offload McNeil.
Jay Lewis
57 Posted 10/08/2026 at 06:10:01
57 Posted 10/08/2026 at 06:10:01
Gavin @40 Yes, I may have gone a bit too far with them haha
Laurie Hartley
58 Posted 10/08/2026 at 06:58:55
58 Posted 10/08/2026 at 06:58:55
Jay # 39 - you missed the best of the lot of them off your list - initials RV
Andy Meighan
59 Posted 10/08/2026 at 07:33:22
59 Posted 10/08/2026 at 07:33:22
Knowing Everton you can see this falling through, cue the first game of the season 1 1 90+2 gone and quelle surprise who pops up with the winner for Palace.
Meanwhile Fright on as a 87th min sub for us smashes one over from 6.yards with no one near him on 90+7 seen that movie before.
Ah well Everton that.
Meanwhile Fright on as a 87th min sub for us smashes one over from 6.yards with no one near him on 90+7 seen that movie before.
Ah well Everton that.
Ian Bennett
60 Posted 10/08/2026 at 07:38:12
60 Posted 10/08/2026 at 07:38:12
Jonathan 56 - it puts us in a stronger position and arguably a better negotiation position on Grealish.
johnson can cover the 3rd striker.
Dibling could cover the #10. It is going to make Dibling work harder to get on the pitch. He has looked decent on the ball, but there is a lot that needs to be better, so perhaps a loan is in the offing.
This all assumes Ndiaye isn't sold and Grealish does arrive.
With the number of subs now and injuries we picked up particularly last winter, we need a bigger squad. At times we had 13-14 first team outfield players available.
johnson can cover the 3rd striker.
Dibling could cover the #10. It is going to make Dibling work harder to get on the pitch. He has looked decent on the ball, but there is a lot that needs to be better, so perhaps a loan is in the offing.
This all assumes Ndiaye isn't sold and Grealish does arrive.
With the number of subs now and injuries we picked up particularly last winter, we need a bigger squad. At times we had 13-14 first team outfield players available.
Ian Wilkins
61 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:27:00
61 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:27:00
We need to move McNeil on, and on the face of it a £20m for £35m player is good business, despite the wage differential pick up.
But BJ in isolation has big question marks for me. Despite the promise at Forest, and the undoubted pace, fans at Spurs, Palace and for Wales say he is a limited footballer with little game contribution.
If he was as good as some would have it then he wouldn’t have made the moves he has nor have Palace keen to swap for McNeill. Frank, Glasner are not a bad judge of player.
Don’t get carried away with this one.
I’d rather sell McNeil and spend on a better player.
But BJ in isolation has big question marks for me. Despite the promise at Forest, and the undoubted pace, fans at Spurs, Palace and for Wales say he is a limited footballer with little game contribution.
If he was as good as some would have it then he wouldn’t have made the moves he has nor have Palace keen to swap for McNeill. Frank, Glasner are not a bad judge of player.
Don’t get carried away with this one.
I’d rather sell McNeil and spend on a better player.
Jay Lewis
62 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:31:08
62 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:31:08
Laurie @58,
Roy Vernon was a little before my time, like... haha!
Roy Vernon was a little before my time, like... haha!
Paul Griffiths
63 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:38:21
63 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:38:21
Completely agree with Paul Hewitt. A straight swap McNeil for Johnson?
And the only option on the table is McNeil for Johnson? No one else involved. No possible alternative, just McNeil for Johnson, who has something to prove.
It's so obviously something we should do as quickly as possible so Palace don't change their minds.
And the only option on the table is McNeil for Johnson? No one else involved. No possible alternative, just McNeil for Johnson, who has something to prove.
It's so obviously something we should do as quickly as possible so Palace don't change their minds.
Gavin Johnson
64 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:38:51
64 Posted 10/08/2026 at 08:38:51
Ian #61
If he replicates his goal return at Forest and Spurs, most Evertonians will overlook how much other stuff he does in games.
Barring his form at Palace, he has always got goals and assists.
If he replicates his goal return at Forest and Spurs, most Evertonians will overlook how much other stuff he does in games.
Barring his form at Palace, he has always got goals and assists.
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1 Posted 09/08/2026 at 10:39:44