Dwight McNeil is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born in Rochdale on 22 November 1999, McNeil rose through the ranks at Burnley, spent four seasons at Everton, and completed a move to Selhurst Park in August 2026. His career has been marked by consistent top-flight appearances, a high-profile failed transfer in early 2026, and a private personal life that drew unusual public attention during that same period.
At 26 years old, McNeil brings more than 160 Premier League appearances and a reputation for precise left-footed crossing and set-piece delivery to his new club. His journey from Manchester United’s youth rejection to becoming a regular starter in England’s top division offers a nuanced picture of resilience and adaptation.
Who is Dwight McNeil?
Dwight James Matthew McNeil
26 (born 22 November 1999)
Left winger / Attacking midfielder
Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- Dwight McNeil’s move to Crystal Palace in August 2026 ended a two-year stint at Everton, where he struggled for consistent form after an impressive start.
- At 26, McNeil is entering his prime with 150+ Premier League appearances and a reputation for crossing and set-piece delivery.
- Off the pitch, McNeil maintains a low profile; his long-term relationship with Megan Sharpley was made public primarily through a health crisis and a controversial transfer collapse.
- Transfer links to West Ham and Manchester United were reported in past windows but never materialized into formal offers.
- McNeil has represented England at youth levels (U20, U21) but has not yet earned a senior cap.
- He was named Everton Young Player of the Season for 2022–23 after adapting quickly following his move from Burnley.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dwight James Matthew McNeil |
| Date of birth | 22 November 1999 |
| Place of birth | Rochdale, England |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Nationality | English |
| Position | Left winger, attacking midfielder |
| Current club | Crystal Palace (since Aug 2026) |
| Previous clubs | Burnley (youth & senior), Everton |
| Market value (2026) | €18.00m (Transfermarkt) |
| Premier League apps | 160+ (as of Sep 2026) |
Which clubs has Dwight McNeil played for?
McNeil’s professional career began at Burnley after he was released by Manchester United’s youth system. He signed his first professional contract with the Clarets in May 2018 and made his Premier League debut in December of the same year against Brighton. Over the next four seasons, he became a regular starter, accumulating 135 appearances and scoring 7 goals across all competitions.
How did Dwight McNeil start at Burnley?
McNeil joined Burnley’s academy in 2016 after being let go by Manchester United. He developed steadily under Sean Dyche’s management, with his left-footed crossing and composure on the ball quickly marking him as a first-team prospect. By the 2019–20 season, he was an established Premier League starter.
When did Dwight McNeil join Everton?
On 28 July 2022, McNeil signed a five-year contract with Everton for a fee reported at around £20 million including add-ons. He adapted quickly, winning Everton Young Player of the Season for 2022–23. According to his Wikipedia page, he made 114 league appearances for the Toffees, scoring 14 league goals before his eventual departure.
Why did Dwight McNeil leave Everton for Crystal Palace?
McNeil’s game time at Everton decreased in the 2025–26 season. Multiple reports indicate he made 14 Premier League appearances that term, starting only five and averaging 44 minutes per outing. With his contract running down and Palace seeking attacking reinforcements, a move became logical for all parties.
Was Dwight McNeil ever linked to West Ham or Man Utd?
Media speculation connected McNeil to West Ham and Manchester United in various transfer windows. However, none of the reporting from ESPN, SportBible, or Wikipedia document a confirmed formal offer from either club. These links remain unsubstantiated beyond general interest.
The failed Crystal Palace move in February 2026 was unusually public. McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, posted emotional criticism of Palace’s handling, stating he was “toyed with until the final minute.” McNeil later reposted comments about being “left in the dark.” The deal collapsed because paperwork was not finalized before the deadline.
Did Dwight McNeil transfer to Crystal Palace in 2026?
Yes. After the February collapse, McNeil eventually joined Crystal Palace on 11 August 2026 on a four-year contract. The transfer fee was not publicly disclosed by either club. The move ended a period of uncertainty for the player, who had remained at Everton for the second half of the 2025–26 season following the deadline-day failure.
When did Dwight McNeil join Crystal Palace?
McNeil officially became a Crystal Palace player on 11 August 2026. The signing was announced on the club’s official website, with McNeil quoted as saying: “I’m delighted to be here. The club has a great squad and a fantastic manager. I can’t wait to get started.”
What is Dwight McNeil’s contract length at Crystal Palace?
The contract is a four-year deal, keeping McNeil at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2030, when he will be 30 years old.
How much did Crystal Palace pay for Dwight McNeil?
The exact fee has not been officially confirmed. Media reports from the February window suggested a £20 million deal had been agreed, but the eventual fee in August remains undisclosed.
Who is Dwight McNeil’s wife or partner?
Dwight McNeil is not married, based on publicly available records. His long-term partner is Megan Sharpley, who has been described in multiple reports as his girlfriend or long-term partner. The pair reportedly met during McNeil’s time at Burnley, when Sharpley was working as a waitress at Turf Moor.
Sharpley became publicly known in late 2023 and early 2024 when she underwent urgent open surgery. She later said she “lost an organ or two” during the procedure. Reporting from the Burnley Express and Toffeeweb indicated that McNeil supported her through the health scare, sleeping by her hospital bed while continuing to play for Everton.
In February 2026, Sharpley again made headlines when she publicly criticized Crystal Palace’s handling of McNeil’s collapsed deadline-day transfer, saying he was “toyed with until the final minute” and indicating the failed move affected his mental health. According to Daily Mail, Crystal Palace officials later held clear-the-air talks with Sharpley ahead of McNeil’s eventual summer transfer.
While Megan Sharpley is widely reported as McNeil’s long-term partner, no official marriage certificate or formal public acknowledgment of a wife exists. All information about their relationship comes from media interviews and social media posts.
What are Dwight McNeil’s key stats and market value in 2026?
McNeil’s career statistics as of 17 May 2026, per his Wikipedia page, show 275 appearances and 22 goals across all competitions. His Premier League record stands at over 160 appearances with 15 goals (9 for Burnley, 6 for Everton). According to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at €18.00m as of 2026.
What are Dwight McNeil’s Premier League stats?
In the 2025–26 season before his transfer, McNeil made 14 to 17 league appearances (depending on the source), starting five matches and providing one assist. His average playing time was 44 minutes per appearance, reflecting squad rotation rather than injury.
How many goals and assists does Dwight McNeil have?
Across his entire Premier League career, McNeil has scored 15 top-flight goals. His all-competition total is 22 goals in 275 appearances. Assist statistics are not consistently tracked in the available sources, but his reputation is built on creating chances from wide areas.
McNeil is predominantly a left-footed winger who cuts inside from the right flank or delivers crosses from the left. His set-piece ability and crossing accuracy have been his standout attributes since his Burnley days. The move to Crystal Palace reunites him with a setup that favors counter-attacking football, a style suited to his skills.
Dwight McNeil Career Timeline
- 2016 – Joined Burnley academy after being released by Manchester United youth system.
- May 2018 – Signed first professional contract with Burnley.
- Dec 2018 – Made Premier League debut for Burnley against Brighton.
- 2019–2022 – Established as regular starter at Burnley; scored 7 goals in 135 appearances.
- July 2022 – Joined Everton for a reported fee of around £20 million.
- 2022–2024 – Made 70+ appearances for Everton, scoring 6 Premier League goals.
- Aug 2026 – Signed a four-year contract with Crystal Palace; fee undisclosed.
Fact vs Speculation
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Dwight McNeil joined Crystal Palace on 11 August 2026 on a four-year contract. | Dwight McNeil’s relationship status: No verifiable public source confirms a wife, partner, or girlfriend beyond media reports identifying Megan Sharpley as his long-term partner. Any claims of marriage are unconfirmed. |
| He previously played for Burnley and Everton. | Past transfer rumors to West Ham and Man Utd: Multiple media outlets reported interest, but no formal offers were confirmed by clubs. |
| He was born in Rochdale on 22 November 1999 and is an English footballer. | The exact transfer fee for his move to Crystal Palace in August 2026 has not been officially disclosed. |
Analysis: McNeil’s Playing Style and Career Path
Dwight McNeil is known for his left-footed crosses, set-piece ability, and versatility across the forward line. At Burnley he was a standout creator, providing a consistent stream of chances from wide areas. At Everton his output dipped but he remained a regular, though his influence waned in the 2025–26 season under limited starts.
The move to Crystal Palace reunites him with a club that plays a direct, counter-attacking style. McNeil’s crossing accuracy and ability to deliver from dead-ball situations fit naturally into that system. His market value around €18m reflects his age, Premier League experience, and the fact that he is entering what should be his peak years as a footballer.
The absence of confirmed personal life details beyond his relationship with Megan Sharpley keeps the media focus on his football. He has not been involved in controversies off the pitch, and his public statements are limited to club-related matters.
Sources & Quotes
“I’m delighted to be here. The club has a great squad and a fantastic manager. I can’t wait to get started.”
Dwight McNeil in Crystal Palace official announcement, Aug 2026
“Dwight is a player with proven Premier League quality and we are very pleased to bring him to Selhurst Park.”
Crystal Palace chairman (paraphrased from club statement)
What’s Next for Dwight McNeil?
McNeil will compete for a starting spot at Crystal Palace, likely on the left wing. With regular game time, he could revive the form that made him a key player at Burnley. No transfer rumors are active as of late 2026. For a broader look at the season ahead, see the Crystal Palace 2026-27 season preview. For context on this summer’s moves, visit the Premier League transfer roundup August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Dwight McNeil scored in the Premier League?
As of September 2026, Dwight McNeil has scored 15 Premier League goals (9 for Burnley, 6 for Everton) across over 160 appearances.
Is Dwight McNeil injured?
There were no reports of significant injuries as of his transfer to Crystal Palace. He completed preseason with Everton and is fit for the 2026-27 season.
What number does Dwight McNeil wear at Crystal Palace?
As of the announcement, no squad number has been officially confirmed.
Did Dwight McNeil play for England?
He has represented England at youth levels (U20, U21) but has not yet earned a senior cap.
Why did Dwight McNeil leave Burnley?
He transferred to Everton in 2022 after Burnley were relegated, seeking to remain in the Premier League.
When did Dwight McNeil make his Premier League debut?
He made his Premier League debut for Burnley in December 2018 against Brighton.
What is Dwight McNeil’s height?
Dwight McNeil is 1.83 meters tall, or 6 feet 0 inches.
Is Dwight McNeil married?
No public records confirm a marriage. His long-term partner is Megan Sharpley.
How much did Everton sell Dwight McNeil for?
Everton signed McNeil from Burnley in 2022 for about £20 million. The fee for his 2026 move to Crystal Palace was not officially disclosed.
What position does Dwight McNeil play?
He plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder, predominantly using his left foot for crosses and set pieces.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.