Rangers steal a transfer march on Wolves and West Ham United as star decides future after 'advanced' talks
The former Sunderland player has signed for Rangers amid Wolves and West Ham United advances.
Rangers have completed the signing of Dan Neil on a three-year deal - despite Wolves, West Ham United and Southampton interest.
The midfielder has left Sunderland after a loan to Ipswich Town, both clubs he helped out of the Championship, and where he went next appeared to be back at second tier level in England or wit Hull City in the Premier League. Reports from transfer journalist Ben Jacobs last week claimed ‘West Ham, Rangers and Hull City are all exploring signing free agent Dan Neil’ but Sky Sports’ Keith Downie soon stated: “Southampton are in advanced talks with midfielder Dan Neil. The free agent midfielder is high on Tonda Eckert’s wish list, and is close to signing. There’s also interest in the 24-year-old from Wolves & West Ham, who has his pick of top Championship clubs.”
Now Rangers have emerged out on front with the midfielder pictured wearing club colours at his unveiling. He is the latest signing under boss Derek McInnes after Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur’s arrivals so far this summer.
Who has Dan Neil signed for?
Neil said of his move: “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’ve spoken to many people who have been here, and they said it's a very similar feeling, and as a character and a person that really drives me to give 110 per cent day in and day out, and I need that in my career.”
McInnes 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 who is strong in possession, can contribute goals and brings tremendous energy to the team.
"At 24, we are signing a player who is hungry and ambitious, but who already possesses significant experience and leadership qualities, having captained Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League in 2025. I'm really looking forward to working with Dan throughout pre-season as we prepare for the challenges ahead."
What have Rangers said about Dan Neil?
A Rangers statement adds: “Rangers can today announce the signing of midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance. The 24-year-old former England youth international arrives at Ibrox after spending the second half of last season on loan with Ipswich Town from Sunderland, making 16 Championship appearances as the Tractor Boys secured promotion to the Premier League.
“Born in South Shields, Neil graduated from Sunderland’s Academy of Light and made 201 senior appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals, before becoming a free agent this summer. As captain, he led the Black Cats to the Premier League via the 2024/25 play-offs, wearing the armband as Régis Le Bris' side celebrated a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Wembley final. Neil made 47 league appearances and scored twice during that memorable campaign as Sunderland ended their eight-year absence from England's top flight.”