Why the latest Dan Neil update could be bad news for Sunderland
Dan Neil’s future has been up in the air since he captained his Sunderland side to promotion.
An entire summer of change has all built up to Saturday, when Sunderland will host West Ham in their first Premier League encounter since 2017.
Regis Le Bris could hand seven debuts to the Black Cats’ summer arrivals, which would ultimately see Neil sit on the bench, despite being an ever-present in the side last season.
Concerns have emerged as to where his future lies with just one year contract remaining, but his decision may not be as good as it first seems.
Neil wants to stay at Sunderland
Neil has been with the Black Cats since he was eight years old, and at times he has not received the praise he was perhaps deserved.
Contrary to the belief of many, the 23-year-old had an excellent campaign last time out, and when news broke that he wanted to stay at Sunderland, it seemed like good news, which it is in some capacity.
However, his contract situation is the downfall.
Neil’s Sunderland career so far
- Joined Sunderland in 2010
- Made first-team debut in the 2018/19 season
- Became captain in 2024
- 197 total appearances for the Black Cats
In six months, Neil can negotiate a free transfer abroad, having already been linked with a move to Roma earlier this summer.
If his contract isn’t extended, Sunderland will lose out on the ability to generate pure profit from a transfer fee, while also losing a talented player for nothing.
If Neil is to remain at the Stadium of Light and sign a new deal, it is a huge boost, but if the latter fails to come to fruition, this may not be as good an update as meets the eye.
Sunderland should be doing all they can to tie Neil to a new deal
Despite his age, Neil has lots of experience, and plenty of that has arrived in the EFL, which is exactly where Sunderland are trying to avoid a drop back into this season.
The 23-year-old knows how difficult it is to get out of the Championship, but will be well aware of how easy it is to fall straight back into it.
Sunderland simply need to get him on a new contract; otherwise, the concerns will live on through the season.
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