Sunderland fans, rejoice! It seems as if one of the club’s most promising young talents is set to commit his future to Wearside. Dan Neil, the 21-year-old midfielder, is reportedly in advanced talks with club officials over a new contract.
Neil has been a regular fixture for the Black Cats this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions. The versatile player has been utilised by both Alex Neil and Tony Mowbray in a defensive and central midfield role, respectively.
While his current contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, it appears as if Sunderland’s hierarchy are keen to tie down their starlet with improved terms. And who could blame them? Neil has impressed fans and pundits alike with his tenacity, work ethic, and technical ability.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Neil is set to be rewarded with a fresh deal after his impressive performances in the Championship this season. Talks are believed to be at an advanced stage, with a new contract expected to be finalised imminently.
Neil’s potential has not gone unnoticed, with former manager Alex Neil commending his “excellent” performances on multiple occasions. The midfielder’s statistics further support this praise, with his average match rating of 6.72/10 and enviable number of tackles per game.
With the playoffs still in sight for Sunderland, Neil’s new contract is yet another positive development for a club that has enjoyed a resurgence under Mowbray’s leadership. Let’s hope we see more Dan Neil magic on the pitch in the months to come.
