adminDan Neil makes emotional Sunderland statement after Ipswich Town transfer confirmed
Sunderland academy graduate Dan Neil has expressed his excitement about the next stage of his career after completing a loan move to Ipswich Town until the end of the season.
Neil, who has spent 18 years at Sunderland—rising through the youth ranks and even captaining the first team in the Championship—will depart the club when his contract expires this summer.
Despite playing a key role in Sunderland’s promotion back to the Premier League, Neil has found opportunities limited this season, following the arrivals of Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Habib Diarra. While the club held ongoing discussions about extending his stay at the Stadium of Light, no agreement was reached.
With just months remaining on his contract, Neil will now join Ipswich, who are chasing promotion, after making 201 appearances for Sunderland in red and white.
Reflecting on his move, Neil said:
“Above everything else, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you.
To my coaches and teammates, past and present, who were not only excellent professionals but also great people, and to the wider staff and fans who supported me throughout all the experiences we shared.
I’m proud of what we achieved during my time at the club and of playing my part in returning Sunderland to where it belongs—the Premier League. Captaining Sunderland was a boyhood dream come true, and as a lifelong supporter, I’m excited for what comes next.”
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added:
“Dan’s journey at his hometown club is the dream we all wish to live out as kids. We often talk about leaving a legacy, and Dan has done exactly that.
He consistently stood up during tough times, embraced challenges, pushed to be a key player, and used his influence to drive standards on and off the field—culminating in him captaining his boyhood club back to the Premier League.
He has worked tirelessly to make his dream a reality, improving Sunderland as a club in the process, which speaks volumes about his character and personality. We thank him for his contribution.
Dan will always be part of Sunderland, but for now, a new opportunity awaits, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter.”
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