Everton have signed winger Dwight McNeil from Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
McNeil graduated through Burnley’s youth academy following his release from Manchester United’s Academy, which led to him making his first senior appearance in a 3-1 home Second Qualifying Round win against Scotland’s Aberdeen in Europa League in August 2018
The 22-year-old has since gone on to score seven goals and create 17 assists in 147 senior appearances across the last four seasons at Turf Moor, which concluded in relegation from the Premier League at end of last season.
McNeil consequentially was considered a top transfer target for many Premier League clubs with Everton ultimately completing a deal for him, which will see him reunited with fellow Claret, James Tarkowski who joined on a free transfer earlier this month.
Speaking to evertontv. about signing a five-year contract until June 2027, McNeil described his move as “amazing” and admitted that he was eager to complete the transfer as soon as he heard about the Toffees’ interest in signing him.
McNeil has also spoken to manager, Frank Lampard about the club’s attacking plans for the season as he said: “Speaking to the manager about what they want going forward, it really excited me and appealed to me. I wanted to be part of it.”
“I want to work hard and do well for the team and for the fans.”
On what he wants to achieve under Lampard as “a direct runner” who is dangerous when cutting inside, McNeil is targeting personal progress as he added: “I feel playing under a manager like Frank Lampard, he will help me to get my stats up – and that is what I want to do and improve my game.”
Last season though could of ended differently if Burnley had stayed up and Everton been relegated instead given how intense the scrap for survival was, although McNeil praised Everton players and fans for showing “desire, mentality and togetherness” to stay up.
Reflecting on what it was like watching Everton’s battle from the perspective of a player on a rival team, McNeil admitted: “They came together and were united as one. That is massive for players and gives you that extra bit of confidence.
“This season we want to do better and I want to be part of the team to help them do that.”
Burnley issued the following statement on McNeil’s departure: “The Club would like to thank Dwight for all his efforts during his time at Turf Moor and wish him all the best for the future.”
McNeil could make his Everton debut against Ukraine’s Dynamo Kiev tomorrow (29 July) in a friendly at Goodison Park, alongside Ruben Vinagre who has also joined the club this week.
Leave a Reply