Crystal Palace and Everton have finalized a straight swap deal involving Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil. This agreement comes six months after a previous failed attempt that left McNeil’s partner vocal about the impact on his mental health.

Dwight McNeil, who is entering the last year of his contract with Everton, previously looked set to join Crystal Palace in February after a £20m fee was agreed on transfer deadline day. However, complications arose when Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed £30m move to Milan fell through due to a failed medical, prompting Palace to alter their offer to a loan with an obligation to buy. This led to a withdrawal from the deal, which prompted McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, to express her heartbreak on Instagram, emphasizing concerns over mental health in football.

Brennan Johnson joined Palace as a record signing in January for £35m, only to be surpassed shortly after by Jørgen Strand Larsen’s arrival from Wolves for an initial £43m. Despite high expectations, Johnson has struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 18 Premier League appearances. As a result, Palace aims to alleviate their wage bill by offloading one of their highest earners.

In addition to this swap, Crystal Palace is also finalizing a deal for Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise for £21m. The 21-year-old right-back underwent his medical on Sunday and is set to sign a five-year contract after a prior deal with Internazionale collapsed due to a failed medical.