Dan Neil: Coventry ready to step in and sign Sunderland midfielder with free agency close
Dan Neil could soon make his way back to the Premier League, with Championship leaders Coventry City eyeing a summer swoop.
The 24-year-old, who spent 16 years with the Black Cats, is set to officially leave the Mackems at the end of the season when his contract expires.
As a boyhood Sunderland fan, Neil would have been proud to finally reach England’s top flight but ultimately fell out of Regis Le Bris’ plans, joining Ipswich on loan.
However, an opportunity to finally become a regular at the Premier League level has now opened up.
Neil looks set to be the subject of a transfer battle between his current loan club and Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues, with both possibly on their way to promotion.
What has been said about Coventry’s interest in Dan Neil?
Neil left Sunderland in January, putting his time at the Wearside club to a close. With his contract expiry in June 2026, his loan move to Ipswich has meant he played his final match for the Black Cats.
The midfielder has been a key figure for the Mackems, captaining them as they secured Premier League football in the play-offs. However, his first taste of top-flight football was limited.
| Dan Neil in the Premier League | Total |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Starts | 0 |
| Minutes played | 13 |
Neil featured in just three Premier League matches this season before his loan move back to the Championship.
However, with Coventry City leading the English second tier and now reportedly holding interest, he could get a second go at it.
According to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Coventry “are ready to fight” for the signature of Neil in the summer window, with Ipswich also among his potential suitors.
The Sky Blues are said to be “major fans” of the 24-year-old, who has had an inconsistent spell at Portman Road so far.
Neil, with his contract ending at the Stadium of Light, would be a free transfer for Lampard’s side.
Dan Neil yet to find his feet at Ipswich Town
The move to Ipswich would have been made with regular first-team minutes on Neil’s mind, but since joining, it has been a mixed start.
Neil has been available for 11 matches in all competitions, with just six starts made from those fixtures.
The former Sunderland midfielder is averaging just 42 minutes per appearance in the Championship, according to Sofascore.
Although his next move will not affect Sunderland directly, after his years of service, Mackem fans will wish him nothing but the best.
A switch to Coventry City may be best for the Englishman, where he can finally have the chance to prove himself at the top level.
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