Sunderland faced the departure of star player Jack Clarke this summer, causing disappointment but also relief that there were no other major exits from the team. Despite a turbulent previous season with multiple managerial changes, only Clarke left the Stadium of Light.
There was concern that Dan Neil might also seek a move away, but he stayed with the club and proved himself as a reliable player, even taking on the role of captain. Neil has been a consistent presence in the team since his debut in 2020, contributing to their strong start in the Championship.
With 152 appearances under his belt, Neil’s value has significantly increased, now standing at £7m. Another standout player, Trai Hume, has also seen his value rise to £7.9m due to his impressive performances for Sunderland.
Despite interest from other clubs, both Neil and Hume remained with Sunderland during the transfer window. As key players in the squad, they will aim to lead the team to promotion back to the Premier League. Sunderland fans will hope that their strong start to the season will continue, with Neil and Hume playing crucial roles in their success.