Dan Neil Joins Rangers as McInnes Continues Summer Overhaul
Former Sunderland captain signs three-year deal after leaving the English Premier League club on a free transfer
Rangers have completed the signing of midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year deal, beating off competition from Southampton to land the free agent.
The 24-year-old arrives at Ibrox after leaving Sunderland at the end of his contract this summer, despite strong interest from the Southampton, who had been pushing to bring him to St Mary’s.
Neil, a former England youth international, spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town but built his reputation at Sunderland, where he made over 200 senior appearances after coming through the club’s academy.
He also captained the Black Cats to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in the 2024/25 season, underlining both his leadership qualities and experience at a relatively young age.
Speaking after completing the move, Neil admitted the scale and expectation at Rangers was a major factor in his decision.
He 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. I have played for Sunderland for a number of years and the weight and expectation of the fans to win every week is something that drives me.
“I’ve spoken to people who have been here and they said it’s a very similar feeling. That demand to deliver every week is something I thrive on.”
Manager Derek McInnes believes Neil will add quality and energy to his midfield options ahead of the new season.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Dan to the club. He will be an excellent addition to our squad. He is a technically gifted midfielder, strong in possession, capable of contributing goals and he brings tremendous energy to the team.
“At 24, he is hungry and ambitious but already has significant experience and leadership qualities, having captained Sunderland to promotion.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him throughout pre-season as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Neil becomes the latest addition in a busy summer at Ibrox, following the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur as Rangers continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.