Rangers are set to add Sunderland’s Dan Neil to their midfield ranks, landing the 24-year-old defensive midfielder on a free transfer after his contract at the Stadium of Light expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The deal caps a pursuit that stretches back to January 2026, when Rangers first registered their interest in the England-born midfielder.

Beating the Premier League to the punch

Rangers were up against West Ham United and Hull City, the latter newly promoted to the Premier League.

No details on contract length or wages have surfaced yet.

What Neil brings to Ibrox

Neil came through Sunderland’s academy and became a fixture in their midfield during the club’s promotion campaign from the Championship. Born on 13 December 2001, he’s still young enough to be considered a long-term investment rather than a stopgap.

His profile fits the mold of a modern defensive midfielder. He’s comfortable sitting in front of the back four, screening passes, recycling possession, and doing the kind of unglamorous work that doesn’t generate highlight reels but absolutely wins football matches.

The fact that he held down a starting role during Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is the most relevant data point here.

Rangers’ summer strategy takes shape

The pursuit dating back to January suggests this wasn’t opportunistic. Rangers identified Neil as a target months before his contract expired and maintained contact through what must have been a competitive process.