In a dramatic twist to transfer deadline day, Dwight McNeil's proposed £20million move from Everton to Crystal Palace collapsed on Monday night after the deal missed the crucial cut-off time.
Last-Minute Negotiations and Sudden Collapse
After opening negotiations on Monday, Crystal Palace made a £20m offer to fend off competition from Nottingham Forest, which Everton accepted. However, with Palace having spent a club-record £48million on Jorgen Strand Larsen and Jean-Philippe Mateta failing to secure a move to AC Milan, the Eagles found themselves £30m down on the revenue they had expected to bring in.
This financial shortfall prompted Palace to return to Everton to re-negotiate the terms. The clubs agreed on a loan with an obligation to buy McNeil, which would have seen Palace pay £20m once a set number of games were played.
Medical Completed But Deal Unravels
McNeil agreed to the move and successfully completed a medical. A deal sheet was submitted to the authorities, but the mood then turned cold. Everton sources stated that they fulfilled their part of the agreement, but Palace went quiet on finalising the necessary paperwork, effectively pulling out of the deal and causing the transfer to run out of time.
The collapse means Everton's Dwight McNeil move to Crystal Palace is officially off after the Eagles reneged on the agreement at the eleventh hour.
Everton's Alternative Signing
Meanwhile, McNeil's return to Merseyside will see him have a new team-mate after Everton completed the loan signing of Chelsea's Tyrique George. The deal includes an option to buy in the summer, providing Everton with additional attacking options.
George has made 11 appearances for Chelsea this season, though none under new boss Liam Rosenior. The young forward expressed his excitement about joining the Toffees, stating: 'I’m really excited to be here and to enjoy this massive club. I just can’t wait to get started.'
George's Ambitions at Everton
He added: 'The fans here are exceptional. I know Evertonians are really passionate. They like hard work – and that’s what I’m going to show. I want to be exciting and I want to impress them.'
George also highlighted manager David Moyes as a key factor in his decision: 'The gaffer, David Moyes, was another reason [I wanted to join]. He’s an amazing manager who has coached so many players, like Wayne Rooney, and players like that. I've had a brief conversation with him and he's an amazing person as well. I just want to enjoy it, learn under him and improve.'
The failed McNeil transfer represents a significant setback for Crystal Palace's recruitment plans, while Everton have moved quickly to bolster their squad with George's arrival, setting the stage for an intriguing second half of the season for both clubs.
