He’s under contract until the summer of 2026, but the Black Cats might consider cashing in on Neil this summer, possibly along with players like Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke.
Recently-promoted Southampton are reportedly interested in Clarke and Neil after defeating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final.
The Saints have long admired Clarke, while Russell Martin is said to be a ‘big admirer’ of Neil at Sunderland.
However, the Black Cats might have received a boost regarding Neil’s future at the Stadium of Light.
Southampton targeting Matt O’Riley at Celtic
An emerging report from GIVEMESPORT claims that Southampton have now shifted their focus to Matt O’Riley at Celtic.
The central midfielder previously played under Saints boss Martin at MK Dons and has since thrived at Celtic following his transfer during the 2021/22 season.
In the 2023/24 season, O’Riley scored 18 goals and assisted 13 more in 37 Scottish Premiership matches, helping Celtic win the league title.
GIVEMESPORT reports that Southampton are ‘ready to make a summer move’ for O’Riley, who Celtic reportedly value at £30 million.
This development may suggest that Southampton’s interest in Neil is fleeting or that they may not be able to afford both O’Riley and Neil during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Can Sunderland keep hold of Dan Neil this summer
There’s no denying Neil’s quality and importance to the Sunderland team, and he’s clearly improving with each season.
Interest in the 22-year-old is inevitable, but Sunderland faces a tough decision on whether to sell or keep Neil this summer.
For Sunderland’s next manager, retaining Neil will be crucial; he’s vital to the team and has become one of the more experienced members of the squad.
However, from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s perspective, Neil could bring in a substantial transfer fee this summer. With his contract expiring in a couple of years, now might be the best time to sell.
Unless the Black Cats can secure a new deal for Neil, which seems unlikely given the current situation at Sunderland.
Nonetheless, Southampton targeting another central midfielder, O’Riley, who is well-known to Martin, could benefit Sunderland concerning Neil’s future.
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