David Moyes wasn’t liked by Sunderland fans during his time at the club. But he’s now back at Everton where he’s a modern day legend, as the Toffees face a fight against relegation from the Premier League.
David Moyes was Sunderland manager for the 2016/17 season. He lost 28 of his 43 games in charge and left soon after the club were relegated from the Premier League.
Needless to say, Moyes isn’t very well-liked on Wearside. But the current manager Regis Le Bris is. The Frenchman has Sunderland sitting in 4th place of the Championship table after the Black Cats beat Derby County 1-0 in midweek.
Sunderland have signed Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma in this January transfer window. More signings look likely but Le Bris will also be worried about potential player exits, with Sunderland having a number of players who’ve been linked with big money moves away from the Stadium of Light.
Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, Dan Ballard, and Anthony Patterson all have interest. Now though, skipper and academy graduate Dan Neil is being linked with a move away.
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Everton want Dan Neil, but Sunderland have sent a clear message
Recent reports have revealed that Everton are keen on Neil, who’s previously been linked with Liverpool too. It’s claimed that Moyes has added 23-year-old to his January shortlist as the Toffees look to make some last-minute moves.
But transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed to Everton News that Sunderland don’t want to sell Neil before deadline day. Sources on Wearside insist that Sunderland are ‘adamant’ they’ll keep Neil and all their other in demand stars for the promotion push.
Neil was made Sunderland captain going into this 2024/25 campaign. He’s so far featured 27 times in the Championship in 2024/25 with one goal and three assists to his name.
Dan Neil’s Sunderland impact goes beyond the pitch
Neil has had his critics, but he’s really found his best form in the last couple months and he’s reminding everyone how good a midfielder he is. Links to Everton are deserved, but unwanted by Sunderland.
Le Bris knows how good a player Neil is and also how good of a leader he’s become, which is backed up by recent comments from Sunderland youngster Harrison Jones.
Jones hailed Neil’s leadership skills at Sunderland after the academy gem made his senior debut in the FA Cup earlier in January. Jones said: “Dan’s calming voice helped me make the right decisions. He’s a proper leader. I am really grateful for everyone’s backing”
The transfer window slams shut on February 3rd. If Sunderland can keep their squad in tact beyond then, and add some more new faces, then they’ll have a great chance at promotion.