Rangers sign Dan Neil: What Michael Beale said about 'fantastic' star as transfer confirmed
The Gers are backing Derek McInnes this summer as the Scottish manager looks to take them back to the very top next season.
Having already completed moves for Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur, the ex-Sunderland captain becomes the latest addition at the Light Blues.
Neil has signed a three-year contract at Ibrox after leaving the Stadium of Light as a free agent, where he previously played under Michael Beale.
The Glaswegian outfit's former manager spent a short stint at the Wearside outfit, where he managed the 24-year-old English midfielder.
After 12 games in charge at the Black Cats, the 45-year-old head coach was sacked, but he had some encouraging things to say about the Glaswegian outfit's new signing.
Rangers get Dan Neil transfer approval
Beale lauded Neil's potential during his time at Sunderland and the Gers may have plenty to look forward to from the player.
The midfielder remained a key player for the former Gers boss at the Stadium of Light during his short spell in charge.
Having captained the Wearside club to Premier League promotion in the 2024-25 campaign, the England national subsequently lost his place in Regis Le Bris' plans.
Neil spent the second half of this season on loan in the EFL Championship with Ipswich Town, who will now be playing in the English top flight.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle in January 2024, Beale said, "Dan's a fantastic player. There's a lot of eyes on Dan because he's got a lot of potential."
What Derek McInnes must work on with Dan Neil
Neil is certainly an exciting signing for Rangers, with his deep-lying playmaking abilities, passing range and press resistance attributes McInnes needs at Ibrox.
For all of the midfielder's strengths, there are still plenty of areas he could improve in, especially in terms of his physicality, tendency to get caught on the ball and lack of aggressiveness.
The Englishman's lack of recovery pace may also be one reason he was unable to get into Sunderland's Premier League starting lineup, giving McInnes plenty to consider ahead of next season.