Idrissa Gueye believes Dwight McNeil is still “an important player” for Everton and hopes he can bounce back after the winger’s Deadline Day move to Crystal Palace collapsed in dramatic fashion.
The London-based side had agreed a loan deal with an obligation to buy at £20m. They submitted the deal sheet within the 7:00 pm deadline but the move collapsed after the paperwork wasn’t submitted in time. McNeil is believed to have been offered a four-year contract beginning from the summer after undergoing a medical.
However, his partner, Megan Sharpley, accused Palace of going “radio silent” and “toying with the player’s mental health” after failing to communicate when the move fell through.
Idrissa Gueye, one of the senior members of the Everton squad, backed his teammate and hopes he will bounce back quickly in the remainder of the season.
"I am very happy to have him back personally," the midfielder told Sky Sports News. "Dwight is a great lad and he works hard.
“He has a lot of quality and was a really important player for us in the last few years when we were battling relegation. He is an important player for us.
"What happened to him? Hopefully he will just put it to the side and we will be there to welcome him, to make him comfortable.
"He just needs to work hard. He is still important for us, everyone is important in this team."
Reader Comments (9)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
2 Posted 04/02/2026 at 18:02:30
I suspect McNeil will move in the Summer, possibly to Forest if they beat the relegation trapdoor.
3 Posted 04/02/2026 at 18:41:39
Saying and doing are different, though. He's not been good enough since the few good games he had under Dyche. Injuries, personal problems, etc.
You have to get back up and prove everyone wrong. Over to you, Dwight.
4 Posted 05/02/2026 at 04:57:55
Is this for McNeil's benefit or to persuade the supporters that it had nothing to do with the "Transfer Committee" who don't seem to have said anything about the matter???
5 Posted 05/02/2026 at 12:44:00
Sean has the right approach.
He is a player who more than most has a frail confidence level; we have got to move him on or cope with that.
His highs are real highs, his lows are well we know.
6 Posted 05/02/2026 at 13:54:12
He might but they won't!
Forest, Burnley, Wolves... Doomed!
7 Posted 05/02/2026 at 17:34:54
8 Posted 06/02/2026 at 04:38:36
Either way, it doesn't bode well for his future.
9 Posted 07/02/2026 at 07:50:47
Not any more, Idrissa.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
How to get rid of these ads and support TW
1 Posted 04/02/2026 at 14:06:46
Whoever puts on a blue shirt, we should support, regardless of how we view them.