Marcus Neill, the 18-year-old son of Socceroos legend Lucas, has signed a professional contract with Premier League club Sunderland.
The Australia under-20s striker has been prolific for Sunderland’s under-18 and under-21 teams, with 48 goal contributions (goals and assists) in 67 youth team appearances.
Marcus Neill with father Lucas and mother Lindsey Morris. Instagram
“It’s the proudest moment in my career so far. It’s a good milestone to have, but now I just need to keep pushing on to the first team and have a good career in the game,” Neill said.
“As a person and a player, I’ve developed a lot. The coaches have been really helpful for me, and they’ve kept me going and kept me humble along the way. I’ve had two really good seasons, and I’m looking to push on and get as far as I can.”
Sunderland’s first team is managed by Frenchman Régis Le Bris, and finished seventh in the Premier League last season.
That qualified the Black Cats for the Europa League, meaning Le Bris will need to manage a large squad wisely.
Sunderland are captained by Switzerland great Granit Xhaka and their leading striker is Netherlands star Brian Brobbey.
“Marcus has excelled with the under-18s and has impressed when he has made the step-up to the under-21s,” Sunderland’s head of academy John Hewitson said.
“He has a real knack for scoring goals, and we are really excited to see how he continues to develop as a player and as a person.”
Lucas Neill played 96 times for Australia and captained the Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup.
The defender also played European football with Galatasaray, and had a stellar career in England with Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Everton.
Lucas has kept a low profile since a 2023 interview with The Times in which he opened up about his bankruptcy in the United Kingdom.
Marcus was born and raised in England but is fiercely proud of his country and his father.
Marcus Neill at Sunderland Football Club. Instagram
“People talk about what he did in his career and rightly so,” Marcus told Sunderland’s website last year.
“But to me, he’s always just been my dad. Supportive, grounded, and always there when I needed him…
“Wearing the Australia badge means a lot, especially knowing my dad wore it so many times. He just told me to enjoy the moment and give everything for the shirt.
“I remember watching him play towards the end of his career. I had this Australia shirt with ‘Dad’ on the back… he always jokes that he was better than I at my age.
“I tell him I’ve already scored more goals than he did in his whole career! It’s just good fun between us.
“After every game, whether I’ve scored or not, he’s always positive. He keeps me grounded and helps me look at the bigger picture. I know he’s proud, and that means everything.”
Marcus joined Sunderland from Liverpool in 2024.
Lucas Neill nna\mchurches
Sunderland will continue their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Liverpool on Sunday (8am kickoff AEST, live on Stan Sport).
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