Dwight McNeil Leaves Everton for Crystal Palace
Dwight McNeil has left Everton to join Crystal Palace, six months after a deal to move to Selhurst Park fell through. The 26-year-old winger was unveiled by the Selhurst Park club on Tuesday, ending his four-year association with the Blues.
Why it matters for Brighton & Hove Albion
McNeil's departure from Everton could have implications for Brighton & Hove Albion's Premier League title hopes. The Seagulls are currently 32 points behind leaders Arsenal and have scored 52 goals this season, conceding 46.
What comes next?
The transfer represents a revival of Palace's interest in McNeil in the winter, when a loan move with an obligation to make the deal permanent for £20m fell apart in the final minutes of deadline day. McNeil's partner, Megan Sharpley, later accused Palace of "toying" with McNeil's emotions and the Times reported that co-owner and chairman Steve Parish made an effort to clear the air with Ms Sharpley ahead of the move.
McNeil was a key player in Everton's survival fights in the final years of the club's ownership by Farhad Moshiri. After glimpses of promise under Frank Lampard following his arrival in 2022, it was the appointment of his old Burnley manager Sean Dyche the next January that represented a turning point for him in Royal Blue. McNeil created James Tarkowski's morale-boosting winner against Arsenal in Dyche's first game and scored twice and created another in the win at the Amex months later, a crucial moment in Everton's push to avoid relegation.
Everton's reaction
Everton referenced McNeil's "crucial" impact in their own farewell message, writing: "Everyone at Everton thanks Dwight for his commitment and effort throughout his time at the club and wishes him all the best for the future."
McNeil's message to Everton fans
McNeil posted an emotional farewell message to Everton supporters after his move to Crystal Palace was confirmed. He wrote: "To the fans who always stuck by me, I couldn't thank you all enough for the support throughout my time at the club and something I will always cherish."
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way)
Everton are currently 8th in the Premier League, with 53 points from 38 games, and have a recent form of LLWLW.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 8th in Premier League, 53 pts, 14W-11D-13L from 38 games, recent form LLWLW.
Goals this season: 52 scored, 46 conceded (+6 goal difference).
Title race: 32 points behind leaders Arsenal.
The move represents a revival of Palace's interest in McNeil in the winter, when a loan move with an obligation to make the deal permanent for £20m fell apart in the final minutes of deadline day. McNeil's partner, Megan Sharpley, later accused Palace of "toying" with McNeil's emotions and the Times reported that co-owner and chairman Steve Parish made an effort to clear the air with Ms Sharpley ahead of the move.
Upon confirmation of McNeil's arrival in south London, where his experience and ability with his left foot is craved, Parish said: "It is wonderful to finally welcome Dwight – a player with proven ability in the Premier League – to south London. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action at Selhurst Park."
McNeil said: "I'm really happy to be here, and looking forward to the challenge."
Image prompt
A photorealistic image of an anonymous Everton player, aged 26, with a rugged build, wearing a blue jersey with white sleeves, and a pair of white shorts, with a 85mm f/1.4 lens, shallow depth of field, and floodlight rim light.
