Everton boss David Moyes looking confused.
Credit: Imago
Samuel Fabre
Mon 2 February 2026 17:55, UK
Dwight McNeil could still join Crystal Palace before the transfer deadline at 7pm.
The 26-year-old joined the Toffees for £20million from Burnley back in 2022, but it is hard to see a future for him here beyond the summer.
After scoring seven goals in his first season, it has gone downhill for the 26-year-old winger, and it’s clear David Moyes now wants an upgrade.
Crystal Palace have just submitted a £20m bid for McNeil, and although the head coach is keen to move on from him, he was once thought of as a key player by the Scotsman.
Dwight McNeil stats for Everton.
Credit: Imago
Crystal Palace submit £20m bid for Dwight McNeil
McNeil is hardly a player who is in good form, with his last goal coming in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town last May.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
He has deputised for Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye over the festive period, but it’s clear that he is out of his depth in Moyes’ system.
McNeil’s ineffective performances for Everton have left Moyes with no choice but to sanction an exit for the winger.
Stat McNeil
Appearances 240
Goals 21
Assists 33
Minutes played 18,509
McNeil’s all-time Premier League stats
According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Crystal Palace have now made a £20m offer to sign him.
It had previously been reported that Palace were weighing up a bid.
It’s unclear whether the Toffees have accepted the bid, with a lot depending on whether they can get the signing of Tyrique George over the line.
It would be a great bit of business for Everton, and it looks as though they have enough time to sanction both deals.
Sunderland were also said to be interested in McNeil, and Moyes spoke highly of the wide man not too long ago.
David Moyes previously had a lot of praise for McNeil
In April 2025, Moyes reiterated how important McNeil was to the team.
He said: “You’ve got to remember, he’s been out for a long, but he’s really important to use.
“We need him for set-piece delivery, we need him for all sorts of things, and I have to say I’m glad to get him back.”
Nine months later, he could be joining a Premier League rival, but the fans won’t be too displeased.
George could join on a loan-to-buy deal, and the Chelsea man is an exciting talent that could eclipse McNeil’s achievements in L4.
Only time will tell if Crystal Palace can sign McNeil, and although Moyes has a lot of time for the Everton man, he will be thrilled if that deal can be completed before the deadline.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.