Dwight McNeil has posted an emotional farewell message to Everton supporters after his move to Crystal Palace was confirmed. The 26-year-old was unveiled by the Selhurst Park club on Tuesday, ending his four year association with the Blues. Brennan Johnson has moved in the opposite direction to become Everton’s fifth summer signing.
A Fond Farewell
McNeil, who scored 15 goals across 128 appearances on Merseyside, was responsible for several standout moments during the club’s fights with relegation - including his stunning performance in the shock 5-1 win at Brighton that paved the way for survival at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Those fond memories were clearly at the forefront of his mind when he posted on Instagram following the move: “Toffees, it’s been some four years. I’ve loved every minute of it and I will miss the club sincerely. 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.
“To the staff, thank you all for your support and helping me get through my injury. Lastly to the lads…. We’ve made some amazing memories and memories I will be forever grateful for. I love you all and I wish you all the best.”
Impact at Everton
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 was a key player in the survival fights that characterised 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. Other highlights included the assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header in the win over Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Palace Revival
McNeil became a peripheral player after the appointment of David Moyes in January 2025, Moyes’ arrival coming as he fought through the knee injury he referenced in his post. Since returning to fitness his opportunities have come out of position on the right, meaning Johnson is a better natural fit for Everton given that is his best position.
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 ahead. The lads have had some great success over the last two seasons. It’s something that I want to be a part of, so I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
