Dan Neil spent 16 years at Sunderland. He started as a kid at the academy, worked his way through the ranks, and racked up 175 appearances for the club. Now he’s trading the northeast of England for Glasgow, signing a three-year contract with Rangers FC as a free agent.
The deal makes Neil the fifth signing of the summer transfer window for Rangers under manager Derek McInnes. A 24-year-old midfielder with significant Championship experience choosing Scotland over reported Premier League interest is the kind of move that raises eyebrows, and for good reason.
From Sunderland lifer to Rangers recruit
Neil’s journey to Ibrox is worth retracing. He originally started his football career at Hebburn Town before joining Sunderland’s academy, where he would spend the bulk of his development years.
Over the course of his senior career at Sunderland, Neil contributed 11 goals in those 175 appearances. Back in the 2021-22 season, Neil reportedly turned down transfer offers to remain with Sunderland.
