Uncovering Players Who Wore Both Everton and Crystal Palace Shirts

As Everton prepares to host Crystal Palace on October 5, 2023, the match will feature a unique blend of players with past ties to both clubs. Crystal Palace arrives at the Hill Dickinson Stadium boasting an impressive streak of 19 unbeaten games, while Everton aims to disrupt this run.

Many fans are familiar with players like Nigel Martyn, Yannick Bolasie, and James McCarthy, who have donned the jerseys of both teams. However, less well-known are several notable figures who have contributed to both clubs’ histories.

Andy Johnson: A Derby Hero

One standout figure is Andy Johnson, whose legacy at Everton is marked by his performance against local rivals Liverpool. In 2006, during a memorable match at Goodison Park, Johnson scored two goals, helping secure a 3-0 victory during David Moyes’ first spell as manager. Prior to joining Everton, Johnson had a prolific spell at Crystal Palace from 2002 to 2006, where he netted 83 goals in 158 appearances. His time at Everton saw him score 22 goals in 74 matches before a transfer to Fulham in 2008 for a fee reported to be over £10 million.

Cenk Tosun’s Short Stint

Another player with connections to both clubs is Cenk Tosun. The Turkish international joined Everton in 2018 for a reported fee of £27 million. Unfortunately, his tenure at Goodison Park was marked by difficulties, as he managed only 11 goals in 61 appearances. In 2020, Tosun made a brief return to England on loan at Crystal Palace, where he scored one goal in just five appearances. He eventually left Everton to return to Turkey, signing with Besiktas in 2022 before moving to Fenerbahce in 2024.

James Vaughan: Record-Holder

The history between the clubs also includes James Vaughan, who made headlines as Everton’s youngest-ever goalscorer. Vaughan set the record on his debut against Crystal Palace in April 2004. He went on to make 61 appearances for Everton, scoring 9 goals. Vaughan had two loan spells at Palace in 2010 and 2011, where he found the net 9 times in 30 matches. After leaving Everton in 2011, he joined Norwich City on a free transfer and later played for clubs such as Sunderland and Wigan Athletic. Vaughan retired from professional football in 2021 and transitioned to a role in player development for Everton before departing the club earlier this year.

As the two teams prepare to face off, the match promises to reignite memories of players who have contributed to both Everton and Crystal Palace’s storied legacies. Fans eagerly await the clash, hoping for an exciting encounter that adds another chapter to their ongoing rivalry.