Crystal Palace and Everton have completed a notable piece of Premier League transfer business involving Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil.
The deal is among the latest moves to attract attention during a busy summer transfer window. The Guardian’s live transfer coverage reported the agreement on August 11.
Johnson arrives with the reputation of being a dangerous attacking player, while McNeil has extensive Premier League experience and can operate in attacking and wide positions.
For both clubs, the move represents an attempt to reshape their squads rather than simply add another player.
Why the deal matters
Transfer swaps are relatively unusual compared with straightforward purchases, which makes this deal particularly interesting.
Palace will hope Johnson can provide additional attacking threat and help the team become more dangerous in the final third.
Everton, meanwhile, will be looking at what McNeil can offer as they continue preparing for another demanding Premier League campaign.
The success of a transfer is ultimately decided on the pitch, not during the summer.
Both players will face pressure to settle quickly and demonstrate why their new clubs wanted them.
With the transfer window still open, this is unlikely to be the final major piece of business involving Premier League clubs.