Dan Neil: Rangers sign ex-Sunderland captain despite Southampton talks as midfielder pens three-year deal
Rangers seal Dan Neil signing on three-year contract; midfielder was in talks with Southampton after his Sunderland deal came to an end; Derek McInnes' side have already added Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur during this summer window
Wednesday 1 July 2026 10:34, UK
Rangers have signed midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year contract.
The 24-year-old - who left Sunderland at the end of his deal - had been in talks with Southampton and looked set to move to St Mary's.
However, Rangers have landed the former England youth international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.
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Neil made 201 senior appearances for Sunderland, having graduated from the club's academy, and captained the team to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2024/25.
Speaking to RangersTV, Neil 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, and the feeling of it making or breaking people's weekends, is something that drives me.
"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."
Rangers have already signed Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur in this summer window.
Having landed another addition, manager Derek 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."
Rangers start life under McInnes at Dundee Utd
Rangers will begin life under Derek McInnes at Dundee United on July 31, live on Sky Sports.
The Friday night clash, which will kick-off at 8pm, marks the start of a groundbreaking opening weekend that will see all six Scottish Premiership games shown live on Sky Sports for the first time.
The fixture will be McInnes's first competitive match in charge after he replaced Danny Röhl as Rangers manager.
Click here for all of Rangers' Premiership fixtures, including dates of the first Old Firm clash this season.
