Rangers have completed the signing of former Sunderland star Dan Neil on a three-year contract, marking the Ibrox club's fifth summer acquisition under manager Derek McInnes. The 24-year-old midfielder joins Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, and Ivor Pandur in a recruitment drive that has seen Rangers strengthen significantly ahead of the new season.
Who is Dan Neil?
Dan Neil is a 24-year-old central midfielder who has amassed more than 200 senior appearances across the EFL Championship, League One, and the Premier League. He spent the majority of his career at Sunderland, his boyhood club, before a brief stint at Ipswich Town in January 2025. Neil is known for his versatility, creativity, and leadership, having captained Sunderland back to the Premier League via the 2024/25 play-offs.
Why did Neil choose Rangers?
Neil set his heart on a move to Glasgow after rejecting an offer from Southampton, who were in advanced talks with the playmaker. After his Sunderland contract expired in June, he became a free agent and committed his future to Rangers. Speaking after being handed the No. 6 jersey, Neil said: “It is a new chapter for myself, and I am really excited to be signing for Rangers. I’m really looking forward to what the next few years can bring.” He added that the expectation to win every week at Sunderland drove him, and he expects a similar atmosphere at Rangers.
What has Neil achieved in his career?
Neil made his Sunderland debut at age 16 in 2018 and quickly established himself as a key player. He was linked with Aston Villa and Burnley in 2022 but chose to stay. His crowning achievement came when he captained Sunderland to Premier League promotion via the 2024/25 play-offs, ending an eight-year top-flight absence. In total, he was part of three Wembley victories, scored 12 goals, and provided 20 assists for Sunderland. He also made 16 appearances on loan at Ipswich Town last season, helping them secure promotion.
What do Sunderland fans think of him?
Sunderland supporters were devastated to see Neil leave after an 18-year association with the club. One fan wrote on X: “Modern-day club hero. Lived the dream. Got us out of League 1 and captained us to the Premier League. Wish him nothing but the best.” Another said: “When others left for 'better' offers, he stayed, became a regular, won two promotions and captained the side during the second promotion and a Wembley win.”
What have others said about him?
Former Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman paid tribute to Neil in January, saying: “Dan’s story at his hometown Club is the one we all dreamt of living when we were growing up. We often talk to players about the opportunity to leave a legacy, and this is exactly what Dan has done. He always stood up during difficult times and embraced the challenge, pushed to be an important player, and then used his influence positively to drive standards on and off the field, which culminated in him captaining his boyhood club back to the Premier League.”
What are his best attributes?
Neil is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in a deeper role or as a box-to-box player. He is known for his creative passing, ability to unlock defences, and technical flair. He also arrives late in the box to finish moves and is strong defensively. Former Celtic star Patrick Roberts, who played with Neil at Sunderland, said: “He gave 100% every day and became a real leader and someone I am proud to have shared a dressing room with.” Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude Bellingham, added: “In difficult moments, he never stopped trying to help me and everyone else around the team and the Club. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner through both the highs and the lows. In my eyes, he was an incredible captain and he will always be a Sunderland legend.”
