Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Dwight McNeil still destined for Everton exit as Leeds fall behind in Harry Wilson transfer saga

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Dwight McNeil has flourished in the Everton lineup since his winter move to Crystal Palace collapsed at the 11th hour.

The former Burnley man was left devastated by the missed transfer, with the player struggling for minutes under David Moyes in 2025-26, but he now has four consecutive starts under his belt.

Although the 26-year-old still has just one goal contribution, coming in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in December, his performances have been much-needed following Jack Grealish's injury.

Everton's transfer plans likely depend on where the Toffees finish in the Premier League table, with European football on the cards, and McNeil's future remains up in the air ahead of the summer.

Harry Wilson can end Everton spell for Dwight McNeil

The wide midfielder's current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but what throws his future into doubt even more are the transfer rumours emerging from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Football Insider understands that Everton could beat Leeds United to signing Harry Wilson, with the in-form Welshman's contract at Craven Cottage set to expire at the end of the season.

The Fulham star has notched 11 goals and seven assists in 34 games across all competitions, his best since the 2021-22 campaign in the Championship, sparking interest from several big-name clubs.

Premier League 2025-26 [FotMob]Harry WilsonDwight McNeil
Minutes played2276947
Goals100
Assists61
Chances created3112
Shot accuracy56%50%
Big chances missed01
Successful dribbles per 900.510.67

David Moyes appeared open to letting McNeil go during the winter transfer window, and just because he's had a few good games since, that shouldn't mean that his future is safe for another season.

Everton will face fierce competition for in-form Welshman

There are two things that could possibly save McNeil, and the first one will be that multiple Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on Wilson's situation at Fulham.

A move to Leeds, alongside the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow could be quite the persuasive tool this summer, and that is not the Toffees' only issue.

It cannot be guaranteed that Grealish will secure a permanent move to Merseyside, mostly because of his eye-watering wages and potential price tag back at Man City.

Wilson is more than capable of featuring on the left flank as well as the right, and so too is McNeil, so if the Toffees can't agree a deal for Grealish, it could be a slightly less exciting winger duo next season.

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