Dan Neil has expressed his determination to win trophies with Rangers after completing a free transfer move from Sunderland. The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Scottish club.
Neil, who captained Sunderland during their promotion to the English Premier League a couple of seasons ago, spent last season on loan at Ipswich before becoming a free agent. His move to Rangers marks their fifth signing of the summer, following the additions of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, and Ivor Pandur.
"It is a new chapter for myself and I am really excited to be signing for Rangers," Neil stated. "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. It's a chance to fight for trophies and fight for titles. Football is everything in this city."
Neil described the club's stadium as amazing and noted his playing style involves getting on the ball and dictating games, while also being vocal on the pitch. He sought advice from several individuals with prior connections to Rangers, including former player Jermain Defoe and ex-manager Graeme Murty. Ross Stewart, a former Sunderland forward from Glasgow, also provided insights into the area.
"They all spoke glowingly of the club and the area," Neil said. "I'm still only 24 and going into free agency was a bit of a weird one. I was looking at certain characteristics in football clubs in what I wanted and what drives me as a footballer and a person. Rangers fit all the criteria."
Rangers manager Michael McInnes welcomed Neil, calling him an excellent addition to the squad. "He is a technically gifted midfielder who is strong in possession, can contribute goals and brings tremendous energy to the team," McInnes said. "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."