Marcus Neill has enjoyed an excellent two seasons since joining Sunderland’s academy from Liverpool

Sunderland have opened contract talks with highly-rated academy forward Marcus Neill, The Echo understands.

The 17-year-old has been offered a professional deal by the Black Cats, with discussions now ongoing over improved terms after an outstanding first season on Wearside. The forward’s current deal is due to expire this summer, though the player is expected to remain at the Academy of Light under coaches Graeme Murty and Fin Lynch.

Neill, who joined Sunderland from Liverpool’s youth set-up in 2024, recently signed with a new agency after previously being represented for a period by his father, former Premier League defender Lucas Neill. The ex-Australia international remains a hugely positive influence on the young forward’s career. The talks come at the end of a standout campaign for Neill, who has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Sunderland’s academy.

The forward continued his impressive form earlier this month with a hat-trick in Sunderland Under-18s’ 4-0 win over Everton at the Academy of Light. That treble took him to 23 direct goal contributions for the season, with 16 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. Neill’s return includes 10 goals and five assists in the U18 Premier League, one goal in Premier League 2, two goals and one assist in the Premier League Cup, two goals and one assist in the FA Youth Cup and a further goal in the Premier League International Cup.

The teenager was also Sunderland’s top scorer across the whole club last season, finishing with 17 goals during a hugely successful debut campaign after his move from Liverpool. That included four goals against his former club and international recognition with Australia Under-19s.

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Neill is viewed as an exciting forward with strong goalscoring instincts and has made a significant impression since arriving on Wearside. Sunderland’s academy pathway has naturally become more challenging following the club’s promotion to the Premier League, but the Black Cats remain keen to secure the futures of their best young players. Contract discussions are now expected to continue as Sunderland look to reward Neill’s progress and protect one of the academy’s most productive attacking talents.

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