Rangers midfielder Dan Neil was the subject of a recruitment approach from a Celtic-connected figure before he completed his move to Ibrox, according to reports now made public.
Neil, a defensive midfielder formerly of Sunderland, has quickly established himself as an important player for Rangers since making the switch to Scottish football.
The 24-year-old captained Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League in 2025, a feat that drew significant attention from clubs across Britain and beyond.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes spoke glowingly of the player upon his arrival, describing him as “a technically gifted midfielder who is strong in possession.”
McInnes also highlighted the ambition driving Neil’s career at this stage, noting that “at 24, we are signing a player who is hungry and ambitious.”
The fact that Neil had led Sunderland to top-flight promotion only added to his appeal, making him one of the more coveted midfielders available in the transfer market.
A Celtic-associated figure reportedly made direct contact with Neil in an attempt to steer him away from Rangers, with text messages said to have been exchanged during the pursuit.
The revelation that such an approach took place has added a striking subplot to what was already a high-profile transfer between two of Scotland’s most storied rival clubs.
Neil has wasted little time making an impression at Ibrox, and his performance against Celtic demonstrated that he had the quality and composure to handle the intensity of the Old Firm fixture.
Reports indicated that the midfielder knew he could produce on the biggest stage, and his display against Celtic appeared to vindicate the confidence Rangers placed in him.
The public disclosure of the text message approach is likely to intensify scrutiny around the circumstances of Neil’s transfer and the lengths to which clubs will go to secure top targets.
For Rangers supporters, the story serves as a reminder of how close the club may have come to missing out on a player who has proven himself capable at the highest level.
Neil’s presence in the Rangers midfield continues to grow, and the details now emerging around his transfer only add to the intrigue surrounding one of Scottish football’s more compelling recent signings.
About the Author
