The veteran Premier League defender’s kid has officially signed for Sunderland. Sunderland has officially announced the signing of Marcus Neill, the son of former football player Lucas Niell. Throughout his 19-year professional career, Lucan Neill played for Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, Everton, and West Ham. The former defender also earned 96 caps for his native Australia.
Lucan Neill also played for Galatasaray, Al Jazira, Al Wasl, Sydney FC, Omiya Ardija, Watford1, and Doncaster Rovers before retiring in 2014. Marcus Neill, Lucas Neill’s son, has also pursued a career in football and just secured a two-year scholarship with Sunderland. Marcus Neill also spent time in Liverpool’s academy during his early career. The 16-year-old spent five years on the Merseyside club’s books before being headhunted by Sunderland’s recruitment department last season. He is now officially a Black Cat after signing his first contract with the club.
Sunderland’s head of recruitment said of Marcus Neill in February: “Liverpool is one of many clubs with which we have developed strong relationships, as we know how difficult it can be for academy players at Premier League clubs to progress to first-team football at the rate they would like.
“So we have to make sure we’re in a position to act when those that don’t necessarily push on at these clubs become available.”We jumped on Marcus’ predicament, and our academy recruitment team, led by Ian Archbold, did an excellent job convincing both him and Lucas that coming here was the best place for him to be.
“It’s all about talent, and Marcus matches the model and profile of the type of player we’re looking for; he checks a lot of the boxes, and we believe he can grow with us. Our concept provides opportunities and a platform for young people to advance, and that is what we hope to achieve here. Marcus Neill posted on Instagram after signing his contract with Sunderland: “Happy to officially sign my scholarship deal with @sunderlandafcofficial I can’t wait for the season ahead ” Throughout the 2024-25 season, the player will predominantly play for Sunderland’s under-18 team.
