Ex-Everton scout reveals which club has the best deal in the Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil swap

Everton have got the better end of a deal that will see Brennan Johnson arrive on Merseyside while Dwight McNeil heads to Crystal Palace.

That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

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It is yet unclear whether any fees are involved, with both players set to undergo medicals on Monday before signing four-year deals.

Johnson, 25, will hope to revitalise his career with Everton, just six months after he joined Palace in a £35million deal.

The Wales international assisted just twice in 26 appearances after the move, with new manager Pierre Sage happy to see allow him to leave.

McNeil was close to joining Palace earlier this year and will now complete the move, having assisted just once in 25 appearances across all competitions last season.

Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil swap to 'revitalise both of their careers'

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In May 2025, Johnson was the hero of North London after scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final, ending Tottenham's trophy drought.

The winger had scored 18 goals in all competitions, and was living up to the £47.5m the Lilywhites had spent to sign him.

But Thomas Frank's arrival saw everything change, and Johnson is now in need of a serious confidence boost.

"I like Johnson better than McNeil," King told Football Insider. "You know, Johnson can play right or left side. Always, for me, needs to get more involved in games. There are periods in games when you watch him.

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"It looks as though he don't really know he's on the pitch, does he? He always seems to drift in and out, but scored a vital goal for Tottenham.

"I think it was a bit of a shock when he left Tottenham, to be honest. I think the thing that's gone wrong with him at Palace is, you're playing for Tottenham, you're playing in that stadium. There's no detriment against Crystal Palace or Selhurst Park, but there is a big difference between Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

"Whether the energy and his outlook changed, and he'd became a bit disillusioned there, I think this move could revitalise both of their careers. It's going to give them new challenges and I think Everton could be a good move for him."

Alan Myers reveals what Brennan Johnson to Everton means for Jack Grealish signing Where does Johnson fit in at Everton?

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Johnson can play across the front line, but has most often occupied the right of the attack.

However, for Everton, the need is more for a left-sided winger. McNeil's exit will leave just Tyrique George on the left, although Iliman Ndiaye can also play there.

The Wales international can play also through the middle, and did so regularly during his time at Nottingham Forest.

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