Dan Neil in talks to join three-time champions abroad as Sunderland exit nears
Sunderland academy star Dan Neil is inching closer to an emotional Stadium of Light exit.
In the blur of getting promoted to the Premier League and enjoying a flying start to life in the top flight, there are always casualties.
When Sunderland spent more than £160million on transfers last summer, established stalwarts were destined to become fringe players due to the step up in quality from the Championship.
Regis Le Bris’ side were able to recruit world-class talent such as Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, along with quality midfield additions such as Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.
That competition for places has led to speculation that Sunderland midfielder Neil could leave the club in 2026.
The 24-year-old has made three appearances this season, and now a January move is in the offing.
Dan Neil has talks over Sunderland departure
Even with Diarra being injured and Sadiki playing at the Africa Cup of Nations in recent weeks, Neil has still found game time hard to come by.
Sunderland youth player Neil ‘rejected’ Premier League and La Liga offers last summer to stay at the Stadium of Light, but now his time there may be drawing to a close.
Rangers have been linked with the former England Under-20 player, whose contract expires this summer, but now interest is emerging from Germany.
According to Sky Germany reporter, Patrick Berger, Bundesliga side Cologne have held talks with Neil over a move, but other teams from Germany and England are also monitoring the situation.
Cologne, who have won the German top flight on three occasions in their history, currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga and take on runaway leaders Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
It remains to be seen if they will swoop for Neil in January or over the summer when he is out of contract.
Sunderland legend wants Neil to stay
Former Sunderland star Lee Cattermole admits he will be “gutted” if Neil left the club after working his way through their academy.
But just three substitute appearances, totalling 13 minutes of action, is not much to hang your hat on.
He told BBC Sounds: “If he does leave, I will be gutted that he hasn’t had the chance to show himself because people write people off before they have even had a chance to kick the ball.
| Dan Neil’s Sunderland appearances in the last five seasons | Division played in |
| 39 appearances and three goals | 2021-22 League One |
| 45 appearances and two goals | 2022-23 Championship |
| 42 appearances and four goals | 2023-24 Championship |
| 44 appearances and two goals | 2024-25 Championship |
| Two appearances and no goals | 2025-26 Premier League |
“I think he would have been expecting to have a start, especially with Afcon and us losing players. The speculation is definitely there. I believe he wants to be and should be playing football at his age.”
Sunderland have been linked with many players over the course of this season but it seems an academy star of theirs could be off to pastures new.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247