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Le Bris Confident in Dan Neil Contract Resolution as Sunderland Push to Secure Key Midfielder Amid Midfield Overhaul
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris has shared a positive update on the club’s ongoing efforts to tie down midfielder Dan Neil to a new deal, despite talks still unresolved.
Neil is now in the final year of his contract, meaning Sunderland risk losing him for free next summer if no agreement is reached. From January, the 23-year-old could sign a pre-contract with another club, but Le Bris believes there is still time to find common ground.
Describing the situation as part of the natural rhythm of football, Le Bris emphasized that the outcome will ultimately be a shared decision between player and club. “If we can’t find a solution and he stays, I will be happy because he’s a good player and a good person,” he said.
Despite uncertainty, the head coach insists he remains optimistic progress can be made before the season ends: “If he has to leave at the end of the season, then he will leave. But I still think there’s a chance of progress.”
Neil, who grew up supporting Sunderland, has already shown loyalty by turning down interest from Premier League and La Liga sides earlier in the summer to remain part of Le Bris’ project.
His ambition is to help his hometown club establish itself in the top flight, even as he faces stronger competition for a starting role following Sunderland’s ambitious summer recruitment.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and football chief Florent Ghisolfi have overseen a major rebuild, signing Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise, Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, and veteran leader Granit Xhaka in high-profile moves. Xhaka has since replaced Neil as club captain for the 2025-26 campaign.
Neil remains one of Sunderland’s most influential players in recent years, having made 198 appearances and scored 12 goals since his debut in 2018. Last season, he captained the Black Cats to promotion and played a crucial role in their play-off success, reinforcing his status as a homegrown talisman before the club’s hierarchy reshaped the midfield.
Negotiations with Neil’s representatives are expected to continue as Sunderland attempt to keep him at the Stadium of Light long term.
The Black Cats return to Premier League action on Saturday with a home clash against Brentford as they aim to bounce back from last week’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley, following an opening-day 3-0 win over West Ham.
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