Dwight McNeil couldn’t hide his excitement after finally completing his move to Crystal Palace.
The winger has joined the Eagles from Everton on a four-year deal, with Brennan Johnson heading in the opposite direction as part of the agreement. For McNeil, though, this move is about much more than simply changing clubs. He believes he’s joining a Palace side that has built something special over the last two seasons.
“I’m really happy to be here, and looking forward to the challenge ahead,” McNeil said after completing his move.
The 26-year-old already knows what it feels like to play at Selhurst Park. In fact, he’s admitted to having a soft spot for the atmosphere inside the famous stadium, even when he’s been on the visiting side.
McNeil has been waiting for his Palace chance
McNeil came close to becoming a Crystal Palace player earlier this year.
The Eagles had agreed a loan-to-buy arrangement for the winger in February. That deal would have eventually seen Palace make the transfer permanent for £20m this summer. However, the paperwork wasn’t completed before the deadline and the move fell through.
This time, there was no such disappointment.
McNeil has now got his wish and will walk into a Palace squad that has enjoyed considerable success over the past two campaigns.
“The lads have had some great success over the last two seasons. It’s something that I want to be a part of, so I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
His numbers at Everton also give Palace supporters plenty to get excited about. McNeil leaves the Toffees after scoring 15 goals and providing 19 assists across 128 appearances.
Now, his attention is firmly on Selhurst Park.
‘That’s probably my favourite chant in football’
Perhaps the most revealing part of McNeil’s first comments was his admission about the Palace atmosphere.
The winger has spent plenty of time at Selhurst Park as an opponent, but he apparently enjoyed the experience more than most visiting players would.
“I’ve always loved playing here [Selhurst Park]. I know it’s a bit weird, but I have enjoyed them scoring because I do enjoy the chant that they have after they score.”
He wasn’t finished there.
“That’s probably my favourite chant in football to be honest.”
It’s a brilliant insight into just how much McNeil has enjoyed the Palace experience from the outside. Now, he’ll get the chance to experience it properly.
Instead of hearing the famous Selhurst celebrations as an opposition player, he’ll be hoping to help create those moments himself.
Palace chairman Steve Parish also welcomed the winger’s arrival, highlighting the Premier League experience McNeil brings to the squad.
“It is wonderful to finally welcome Dwight – a player with proven ability in the Premier League – to South London.”
McNeil is the latest addition to Palace’s summer business, following Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu through the door. Maxence Lacroix, meanwhile, has left for Chelsea.
