Dwight McNeil’s partner Megan Sharpley slams Crystal Palace for ‘messing’ with his mental health after a proposed £20m transfer collapsed.
The 26 year old Everton winger was left devastated and in tears on transfer deadline day, with a deal — initially a loan with obligation to buy — falling through reportedly due to Palace failing to complete the necessary paperwork in time, despite McNeil having a medical with agreements in place.
His girlfriend took to her Instagram to issue an emotional story taking aim at the “cruel” football industry for toying with players’ emotions and mental health.
Dwight Mcneil’s GF via Instagram #EFC pic.twitter.com/g7J9jjvvOe
— JDBEFC_ (@Jburtonefc) February 3, 2026
Dwight McNeil transfer to Palace called off after the Crystal Palace deal sheet got stuck in the info@cpfc.co.uk ‘Out’ folder and no one checked to see whether or not it was sent.
— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) February 2, 2026
She wrote: “Dwight, I’ve always been in awe of your job, the way you’ve committed most of your life to achieve what only the 0.1% achieve. I know you love your job, the sport and you know how lucky you are to do what most people only dreams of.
“We appreciate our lives, how fortune we are, and the millions of football fans that keep the game alive and ultimately keep you in a job you adore.
“You’ve sacrificed a lot and most people don’t have much of an idea of the difficult hardships you’ve suffered and dealt with in your personal life. And we crack on, that’s who we are, we appreciate how blessed our lives are.
“But the world doesn’t seem to accept that someone as fortunate as you is allowed to suffer hardships and feel sad. But you’re a human, a beautiful incredible 26 year old human being. And no matter about money or the success you’ve worked so hard to achieve, you are allowed to feel.
BREAKING: Dwight McNeil’s move to Crystal Palace from Everton has collapsed 🚨 pic.twitter.com/vP9xHW81OV
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 2, 2026
“Tonight, and the last 48 hours, have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you.
“To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster, and to be toyed with until the final minute. To have 4 and a half years of your life promised to you, traveling, medicals, agreements made… promises made. To have prepared to move your entire life, our life’s 100 of miles away in the space of a few hours.
“For it to be torn away from you at the last second, with absolutely no explanation. Going from everything – to radio silence, no phone call, no communication and be left, broken hearted with nothing but confusion, has hurt more than I can say.
“I sit with you, knowing in my heart and deep down into my soul that you will bounce back from this. I am your biggest supporter. And I know you will overcome this with a fire in your belly and a motivation that no one can stop. I have already seen it tonight, even whilst you’re facing the lowest point of your career.
“We live in a world where everyone is aware how big of a problem mental health is. So in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money, that it’s okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that’s it just ‘part of the job’?
“No matter of money, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and fairly.
“So I really question the industry tonight. I only hope there’s more done in the future to protect people from situations like what I’ve witnessed tonight Football is brutal and yes, it’s the nature of the beast, but messing with human beings feelings and emotions shouldn’t be acceptable.
“People only see one side on the media, you don’t see the tears, the emotion and the distress I’ve seen tonight.
“So here’s to carrying on being an Everton player The support we’ve had from this club, especially during my illness, has meant a lot on our journey, so let’s keep grinding, keep working and grafting for this badge. Let’s keep going Dwight, show them who you are. I’m right by your side.
“Dwight, to the present, and the future. Every single thing happens for a reason. I will always believe what is meant for you will find you, and with your hard work and determination I’ll never doubt only the best will come your way, and I’m so excited to see what you can achieve.”
Dwight McNeil said: “Whilst even now I’m still left in the dark. What I do know, and have been suppored with, I am an Everton player. I will use this as motivation. I love you moo, I couldn’t thank you enough for all of your love.”