West Ham United have entered the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, making an official enquiry as the January transfer window heats up.
Multiple Clubs Circle for Midfielder
The Hammers have joined Scottish giants Rangers and fellow Premier League side Sheffield United in expressing concrete interest in the 24-year-old. According to transfer specialist Ben Jacobs, Coventry City and German club FC Cologne have also made approaches for the player, indicating a competitive market for his signature.
Neil's situation at the Stadium of Light has become a pressing concern for Sunderland. Despite being a key figure in their promotion campaign last season, he has found Premier League minutes extremely hard to come by this term. He has been afforded just 13 minutes of top-flight action and has been an unused substitute in all but three matches, making a January exit increasingly likely.
Contract Situation Forces Sunderland's Hand
A major factor driving the sudden interest is Neil's contractual status. His current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026, meaning this January represents the last realistic opportunity for Sunderland to receive a transfer fee for him. If he does not move this month, he could leave for free at the end of the campaign.
West Ham's interest comes despite their primary focus being on defensive reinforcements. The club has already secured forwards Taty Castellanos and Pablo this window. However, manager Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly keen to add experience to a promising but youthful midfield corps, which includes Freddie Potts, Soungoutou Magassa, and Mateus Fernandes, all aged 22 or under.
Praise from His Manager
Despite his lack of game time this season, Neil's qualities have not gone unnoticed. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris praised the player's intelligence and tactical importance in January 2025. He described Neil as "very clever, very important to adjust the formation and balance the team." Le Bris highlighted his versatility, noting he can operate in both defensive and more advanced midfield roles, an attribute that is likely appealing to his suitors.
With the clock ticking on the winter window, a decision on Neil's immediate future is expected soon. West Ham's enquiry signals serious intent, but they face stiff competition from a range of clubs eager to secure a bargain for a talented, homegrown midfielder.
