Dan Neil could join ‘top-end’ Championship club in January as Sunderland frustration emerges
Dan Neil is yet to make an appearance for Sunderland in the Premier League.
Sunderland’s promotion-winning team from the last campaign have largely been pushed aside as the Black Cats look to cement their status in the top flight of English football.
One of those to have fallen out of favour is Neil, who was linked with a Sunderland exit in the summer window.
Any potential deal failed to materialise, but with just one year left on his deal at the Stadium of Light, his days may be numbered.
Mackem News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Sunderland could cash in on Dan Neil this winter
PSR has been talked about a lot at Sunderland, and while the Black Cats are at no immediate risk of breaking it, they will look to increase their spending opportunities via sales in the winter.
Neil, given the fact that he is homegrown, would represent pure profit if he were to be moved on, and Ian Darke thinks that his exit is a possibility.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “It’s possible that they sell him.
Neil’s stats last season
- 44 Championship starts
- 5 goal contributions
- 83.9% pass accuracy
- 46 interceptions
- 2,531 touches
“Any player who’s not in the team, he’ll be feeling a little disappointed himself, and I’m sure the manager said, look, your time will come.
“So I think it’s very frustrating for him, and particularly teams up towards the top end of the Championship will be saying, well, there’s a very good midfield player going, who’s not getting a game there at Sunderland.
“So it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if he continues to be out of the team, if that attracted the interest of other clubs.”
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Dan Neil may be crucial for AFCON period
Sunderland’s midfield has impressed this season, but two of their starting three, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, will be jetting off to AFCON in December.
That is when players like Neil will be needed, and more than anything, will be afforded a chance to stake a claim for their place in the Premier League.
It’s cruel on those who worked to get Sunderland back in the top flight, but given the nature of the Premier League, there is no room for sentiment.
Sunderland already sanctioned an exit for Patrick Roberts, who played near enough every game last season, and it is unlikely that they would stand in Neil’s way if a move were possible.
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