Dan Neil could finally solve serious problem that ensured trophyless Rangers season
Dan Neil is once again being linked with a move to Rangers ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Sunderland star is out of contract in the summer and is available on a free transfer.
According to The Scottish Sun on 26 May, Rangers are now closing in on a deal, now that his loan spell at Ipswich Town is over.
While his skills on the ball should prove to be an excellent option for Danny Rohl, it’s Neil’s leadership skills that are most needed at Ibrox.
Rangers’ poor mentality killed the end of the current campaign, and it is now perhaps the biggest issue the club needs to address.
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VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUBDan Neil could fix Rangers’ mentality issue
It was clear at the end of the 2025-26 campaign that Rangers have a massive mentality issue.
While it was hinted at throughout the season, it was clear post-split when the Gers lost four consecutive matches to not only fall out of the title race, but to guarantee a third-place finish.
| Dan Neil’s Championship stats this season | Per 90 minutes |
| xA | 0.12 |
| Passing accuracy | 82.5% |
| Chances created | 1.09 |
| Duels won | 55.6% |
| Tackles | 3.27 |
This was a shocking turn of events, considering that Rangers were arguably the favourites for the title going into the final five matches.
The lack of leaders in the squad was on show, and this is set to only get worse now that James Tavernier has departed.
However, Neil can help fix this. The 24-year-old helped captain Sunderland to the Premier League, ending their stay in the EFL.
After struggling for game time, he then enjoyed a loan spell at Ipswich, where his experience helped the club achieve their promotion ambitions.
Given his leadership and success, if Neil were to sign for Rangers, it would go a long way to finally solving Rangers’ mentality problem, which eventually left them trophyless this season.
What are Ranger’ transfer plans?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Rangers will mainly target younger players during the summer transfer window.
Three of the Gers’ four January signings were 22-years-old, outlining a clear shift in transfer strategy in Rohl’s first window at the helm.
This will continue despite the club missing out on the Europa League as they aim to bring potential bargains into the club.
Players such as Luke Graham have already been heavily linked, and it remains to be seen who the Gers will target before the summer window closes.
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