Dan Neil has spoken after Rangers confirmed the signing of the former Sunderland captain on a free transfer

Dan Neil says he is “really excited” after completing his move to Rangers following his Sunderland exit.

The former Black Cats captain has joined the Ibrox club after leaving Wearside this summer, bringing an end to his long association with Sunderland. Neil came through the Academy of Light and went on to make 201 senior appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.

Speaking after his move was confirmed, Neil said: “I am really excited to be signing for Rangers. I’m really looking forward to what the next few years can bring. It is a new chapter for myself. 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."

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The 24-year-old had been linked with a move to Southampton, but Rangers moved quickly to secure his signature and have now confirmed the deal. Neil arrives at Ibrox as a former England youth international with significant EFL and Premier League experience already behind him.

Born in South Shields, Neil became one of Sunderland’s major academy success stories in recent years. He was part of the side that won promotion from League One in 2022 and later captained Régis Le Bris’ team to the Premier League through the 2024-25 play-offs.

Neil wore the armband as Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Wembley final, ending the club’s eight-year absence from the top flight. He made 47 league appearances during that campaign, scoring twice, before spending the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town. The midfielder made 16 Championship appearances for Ipswich as the Tractor Boys secured promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

"He is a technically-gifted midfielder who is strong in possession, can contribute goals and brings tremendous energy to the team," Rangers boss Derek 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."

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