Rangers sign Dan Neil on three-year deal after Sunderland exit
Rangers have signed midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year deal after his Sunderland contract expired, beating Southampton in a late transfer twist. The 24-year-old England Under-20 international becomes Derek McInnes's fifth summer recruit as the Glasgow club reshapes its squad under its new manager.
Rangers Football Club confirmed the move on Wednesday, with Neil arriving as a free agent from the Stadium of Light. Sky Sports reported he had been in advanced talks with Southampton and looked set to join St Mary's before Rangers landed the former Black Cats captain.
Key Takeaways
- Dan Neil has joined Rangers on a three-year contract as a free agent after leaving Sunderland.
- The 24-year-old midfielder had been in talks with Southampton before switching to Ibrox.
- Neil made 201 senior Sunderland appearances and captained the club to Premier League promotion in 2024/25.
- He is Rangers' fifth summer signing alongside Lawrence Shankland, Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie and Ivor Pandur.
- Manager Derek McInnes praised Neil's technical ability, energy and leadership qualities.
Why did Dan Neil choose Rangers over Southampton?
According to Sky Sports, Neil left Sunderland when his deal ended and entered talks with Southampton. He appeared close to a move to the south coast before Rangers secured his signature on a three-year contract.
Neil told RangersTV it was "a new chapter" and said he was "really excited" to sign for the club. He added that he looked forward to what the next few years could bring at Ibrox.
What will Dan Neil bring to Derek McInnes's midfield?
McInnes called Neil "an excellent addition" and highlighted his strengths in possession, goal threat and energy. The manager said the midfielder is "technically gifted" and already brings leadership experience despite being only 24.
Neil captained Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2024/25. He graduated from Sunderland's academy after eight years at the club and earned an England Under-20 cap during his development.
The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town. Neil told club media he expects a "very similar feeling" of fan expectation at Rangers as he experienced at Sunderland, where results can "make or break people's weekends."
Who else have Rangers signed this summer?
Neil follows a busy early window at Ibrox. Rangers have also signed forward Lawrence Shankland, defenders Ben Godfrey and Ross McCrorie, and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, according to the BBC.
The club recruited McInnes from Hearts to lead the new era. Neil's arrival strengthens central midfield options as preseason preparations begin ahead of the challenges ahead in Scottish football.
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