Everton confirms Johnson and McNeil swap
Everton has confirmed the arrival of Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace in a swap deal that sees Dwight McNeil move to Selhurst Park. Johnson has signed a four-year contract with Everton, which is set to run until the end of June 2030. This marks Johnson as the fifth signing for Everton this summer.
Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for joining Everton, citing the club’s direction as a key factor in his decision. He noted that the manager’s belief in his ability to regain his best form was significant. Johnson is expected to wear the number 22 shirt for Everton.
The move for Johnson comes six months after a previous attempt to transfer McNeil to Crystal Palace did not materialize. McNeil, who was in the final year of his contract with Everton, had been linked with a move to Selhurst Park in February. However, that deal reportedly fell through after a medical failure for another player impacted Crystal Palace‘s transfer plans.
Johnson had previously joined Crystal Palace from Tottenham in January for a reported fee. During his time at Crystal Palace, Johnson did not score in 18 Premier League appearances. His contract with Crystal Palace, signed in January, was believed to be a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Liverpool strengthens defence with Araujo loan
In other transfer news, Liverpool has secured Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The deal for the 27-year-old defender, who joined Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, includes an option to buy. Araujo is also capable of playing at right-back and will wear the number 33 shirt for Liverpool.
Araujo’s arrival addresses Liverpool‘s need for defensive reinforcements, particularly following Ibrahima Konate‘s departure to Real Madrid. With Virgil van Dijk reportedly being Liverpool‘s only fit senior centre-back, the club sought a versatile defender who could operate in both central defense and at right-back. Araujo’s physical attributes, including his strength and pace, were seen as beneficial.
At Barcelona, Araujo made over 200 appearances, contributing to three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies. He was given the captaincy in January after the loan departure of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, he made only 11 league starts last season as Barcelona won the Spanish championship.
His playing time at Barcelona was reportedly limited under manager Hansi Flick, who took over in May 2024, as Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi became the preferred central defensive pairing. Araujo had also taken a leave of absence in December to prioritize his mental health after a sending off in a Champions League match against Chelsea.
Araujo returned to training in January and scored in a Copa del Rey quarter-final victory against Albacete. He stated in February that he had been experiencing anxiety and depression. His leadership capabilities were also noted as a positive factor for Liverpool.
Liverpool‘s other centre-back options, including Joe Gomez, new signing Jeremy Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni, are currently recovering from injuries. Jacquet, who joined from Rennes in a reported £60m deal last month, has not played in pre-season friendly games due to a minor knee issue. New head coach Andoni Iraola indicated that Jacquet is expected to be available for Liverpool‘s upcoming matches against Como.
Araujo’s signing means Liverpool has reached its quota for non-homegrown players for Premier League registration. Clubs can register a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players in a squad of no more than 25 senior players. Under-21 players are not included in these lists. The transfer window in England is set to close at 23:00 BST on 1st September.
Other confirmed transfers
Fulham has confirmed the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton. The 22-year-old midfielder joins Fulham on a five-year deal reportedly worth up to £30m, becoming the club’s third signing of the summer.
The rules for homegrown players in the Premier League state that a player, regardless of nationality or age, must have been affiliated with an English or Welsh club for three entire seasons or 36 months before their 21st birthday. This rule also applies if they have three seasons or 36 months as a registered player before the end of the season in which they turn 21.
An example of a homegrown player is Chelsea‘s Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, who joined Watford in 2020 at the age of 18 and spent three consecutive years in England before turning 21. Another example is Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, who is considered homegrown due to his time as an academy player at Crystal Palace and Tottenham before moving to PSV Eindhoven.
These Premier League rules differ from Uefa‘s homegrown player regulations, where the qualifying period for a player only counts between the ages of 15 and 21, whereas the Premier League‘s starting age is younger.
Source: bbc.co.uk
