Brennan Johnson has revealed David Moyes’ faith in his ability was a major factor behind his decision to join Everton following a miserable spell at Crystal Palace.
The Wales international has completed a move to the Toffees as part of an unusual swap deal that sees Dwight McNeil head in the opposite direction to Selhurst Park.
Both players have signed four-year contracts with their new clubs as Everton continue an ambitious summer rebuild under Moyes.
Johnson’s departure brings an abrupt end to his Palace career just eight months after joining from Tottenham for £35million in January.
The 25-year-old struggled to make the desired impact in south London, failing to score across 26 appearances before being offered the opportunity to revive his career at Everton.
Johnson has now explained why he jumped at the chance to move to Merseyside, revealing conversations with Moyes left him convinced Goodison Park was the right destination.
“I’m so excited to be here. The club speaks for itself – it’s a massive club and one that when I first heard of the interest, I immediately wanted to come and be part of it,” he said.
Brennan Johnson has revealed David Moyes’ faith in his ability was a major factor behind his decision to join Everton following a miserable spell at Crystal Palace
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“There were a lot of reasons why I was so keen to join – the manager, the players, the direction the team is going in.
“You can see this is a club that wants to go in the right direction, and I’m a player who wants to go in that direction, too, so it feels like a really good match.”
Crucially for Johnson, Moyes has challenged the winger to rediscover the form he showed before his difficult stint with Palace.
Dwight McNeil has joined Crystal Palace with Brennan Johnson heading the other way
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“The manager spoke to me about getting back to the form that I’ve shown previously, and that’s a massive thing for me – the fact he knows and believes in what I can do,” Johnson added.
“For me, listening to him – a manager who is so experienced and someone who has been so successful – it was really nice to hear.”
Johnson has promised Everton supporters they will see a player prepared to work relentlessly for the team, while backing himself to contribute goals and pace.
“I want to bring all of my attributes. First and foremost, I’ll work for the team, the fans, and represent the club properly,” he said.
“On top of that, I think I can bring speed, goals and everything I’ve got.”
Johnson becomes Everton’s fifth addition of the summer after Merlin Rohl’s loan obligation was activated and Moyes also brought in Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Christian Norgaard.
Brennan Johnson won the Conference League with Crysta; Palace but failed to shine at Selhurst Park
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McNeil, meanwhile, finally completes a move to Palace after a proposed transfer collapsed on Deadline Day in January because the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time.
The 26-year-old leaves Everton having registered 15 goals and 18 assists in 130 appearances.
“I’m really happy to be here, and looking forward to the challenge ahead,” McNeil said.
“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.”
