Everton have completed the signing of 22-year-old Englishman Dwight McNeil from Burnley for £20M. The player signed a 5-year contract with the Toffees.
England Under-21 international McNeil joins Merseyside after four years at Turf Moor, during which time he made over 140 appearances and missed only two Premier League matches since December 2018.
Dwight McNeil becomes the club’s third signing after James Tarkowski and Ruben Vinagre. He can cover right-wing, left-wing, and left-win-back positions.
Despite his lanky/wiry frame, he is an effective dribbler. Dwight McNeil completed 90 dribbles in the Premier League. Only Allan Saint-Maximin completed more.
He recorded only one assist despite creating 47 chances and six big chances in the Premier League last season. Dwight McNeil creates chances for his teammates.
Everton may have been hoping for a goal scoring attacker to replace Richarlison, but Dwight McNeil is a solid transfer.
“It is an amazing feeling to sign. When I heard about Everton’s interest I wanted to get it done straight away because of the Club and how good the team is,” McNeil told evertontv.
“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. He knows me as a player, as does [Director of Football] Kevin Thelwell. I want to work hard and do well for the team and for the fans.
“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.
“I am a direct runner with the ball. I like to get on the ball, cut inside and create chances for the team.
“I want to help the team as best as I can, work hard and do the defensive side of the game, too.”
Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “We are delighted to secure the signing of Dwight on a five-year contract.
“Despite being only 22, he has plenty of Premier League experience and the statistics prove we have brought in one of the best young talents in English football.
“We are confident that, working with Frank and his coaching staff, Dwight can become even better and enjoy a long, successful career with Everton.”
Manager Frank Lampard added: “I have been a big admirer of Dwight for some time. He has huge talent and is exactly the type of player we want to bring into the squad to help us improve.”
