Dwight McNeil posts emotional message after 11th hour Everton transfer twist
Dwight McNeil has taken to Instagram to send a message to Everton fans in the wake of his failed move to Crystal Palace on Deadline Day.
McNeil has struggled for game time at Everton this season following the arrival of Jack Grealish on loan from Man City.
The 26-year-old left winger is yet to score in 17 appearances, while he has only been handed seven Premier League starts by David Moyes, so far in 2025-26.
After interest in his signature from other clubs arose earlier in the window, Crystal Palace submitted a late bid to sign McNeil on Monday, which was duly rejected by the Toffees.
Everton accepted Palace’s second offer of £20m and a move looked set to be done as a dealsheet was submitted, but a late twist saw McNeil stay on Merseyside rather than move to South London.
McNeil reacts on Instagram after failed Palace move
Palace pulled out of signing McNeil at the eleventh hour, despite a deal sheet being submitted in time and the 26-year-old completing his medical.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s own failed move to AC Milan saw the Eagles change the terms of McNeil’s move from a £20m purchase to a loan with a buy obligation before they called it off completely.
Taking to Instagram following the saga, McNeil reacted to his partner’s own message to him via his story, saying: “Whilst even now I’m still left in the dark. What I do know, and have been supported with, (is that) I am an Everton player. I will use this as motivation.”
What business did Everton complete on Deadline Day?
While McNeil will now have to stay and fight for his place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton fans are sure to get behind him, and it may well serve as a boost to his confidence in the long run.
He has seen more competition more places arrive over the last 24 hours, though, after Tyrique George joined Everton from Chelsea on loan until the end of the campaign.
George has struggled for game time so far this term, with just four Premier League appearances made, and he will be an option for Moyes across the forward line.
He was the sole arrival for the Toffees as the window closed for good, while sources told Football Insider that Aberdeen were exploring a deal for Reece Welch, but it remains to be seen if it was completed in time.