Sunderland have been told that Southampton’s promotion could now ’cause an issue’ for them this summer.
Southampton have already given Sunderland a financial boost after they won the Championship play-off final yesterday, with the club receiving a further £2 million in add-ons from Ross Stewart’s exit.
However, the Saints’ promotion could also spell disaster for the Black Cats.
The Wearside outfit face losing a number of key players this summer, having ended their own season only six points above the relegation zone.
A number of players such as Jack Clarke, Anthony Patterson and Dan Ballard have been linked with moves to the Premier League.
One player fans really won’t want to lose isDan Neil, who was named Sunderland’s Young Player of the Year last month.
The midfielder has also been linked with a move to the top flight, but the Black Cats will be hoping his support for his boyhood club will tempt him to stay.
Southampton could now try to sign Dan Neil
Neil has so far attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, and it has felt unlikely that he would make such a jump up so soon.
However, he could be tempted by a move to a club where he is more likely to get regular game-time.
This is where Southampton’s promotion could affect Sunderland, with journalist Michael Graham claiming they are ‘big admirers’ of Neil.
He wrote on X: “Southampton going up probably best for #SAFC today. Should trigger another payment on Ross Stewart, although must admit I don’t know full terms of the deal. However, they’re also big admirers of Dan Neil, so them having Prem money could cause an issue later…”
Southampton clearly watch Sunderland in great depth as they plan their transfer business, having already tried to sign both Ross Stewart and Patrick Roberts last summer.
Their position in the top flight could make a bid for Neil much more likely, with Sunderland surely likely to demand a high fee. However, whether the 22-year-old would want to move is another question.
Should Sunderland be worried about the Saints?
Neil could definitely earn himself a regular spot in a mid-table team, but Southampton’s recent promotion could well make them one of the favourites to go back down again.
The Sunderland academy graduate could be tempted to join a team such as West Ham or Wolves, who can guarantee him a future in the top flight, and perhaps a chance at pushing for an England call-up.
However, the Stadium of Light’s position close to his home surely gives the club a huge advantage in keeping him too.
Neil is born and raised in the north-east and would have to move to the other end of the country if he was to join Russell Martin’s side.
Sunderland will have to hope Neil’s connection to the club is enough to tempt him to stay, but it will be a very tough transfer window either way.