Dan Neil joins Rangers after Sunderland exit amid Southampton interest | OneFootball

Rangers have confirmed the signing of former Sunderland captain Dan Neil on a free transfer, with the midfielder saying he is really excited after completing the move.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 24-year-old had been linked with Southampton, but Rangers moved quickly to secure him. Neil, a former England youth international, already has significant EFL and Premier League experience.

Neil described the switch as a new chapter and said the demands he felt at Sunderland to win every week are what drive him. He was told Rangers offers a similar intensity, which he believes will push him to give 110 per cent every day, something he says he needs in his career.

Born in South Shields, Neil progressed through the Academy of Light and made 201 senior appearances for Sunderland, scoring 12 goals. He helped win promotion from League One in 2022, then captained Régis Le Bris’ side to the Premier League via the 2024-25 play-offs.

He wore the armband as Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley, ending an eight-year top-flight absence, and made 47 league appearances that season, scoring twice. He then spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, playing 16 Championship games as the Tractor Boys won promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt. Rangers boss Derek McInnes said Neil is a technically gifted, energetic midfielder who can add goals and leadership, noting his 2025 promotion-winning captaincy.

Source: Sunderland Echo