Ex-Sunderland and Newcastle youngster Joe Hugill has left Manchester United to begin a new chapter in Scotland
Former Sunderland academy forward Joe Hugill has completed a permanent move from Manchester United to Kilmarnock, bringing an end to his five-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old striker has signed a deal until May 2027, subject to international clearance, as he looks to secure regular first-team football in the Scottish Premiership. Born in Durham, Hugill spent time in the youth systems at Newcastle United and Sunderland before opting to join Manchester United in 2020, despite reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
His decision to move to Manchester was viewed at the time as a significant step, with Hugill regarded as one of the more promising young forwards in the country. He made an immediate impact at academy level, most notably scoring four goals against Liverpool’s Under-23s in a 6–3 victory – a feat achieved by only one other Manchester United player in the club’s post-war history. That form earned him a new contract in 2021 and saw him involved in first-team training during pre-season, as well as appearances in senior friendlies against Derby County and Queens Park Rangers.
Hugill was also part of the Manchester United squad that won the FA Youth Cup, coming off the bench in the final at Old Trafford, and later scored in a pre-season win over Rangers in Scotland – a moment that hinted at his readiness to test himself at senior level. However, opportunities at the top end of the Premier League proved limited, and Hugill instead embarked on a series of loan spells designed to build experience in men’s football. Those took him to Altrincham, Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic, Carlisle United and most recently Barnet, where he was recalled earlier this month.
While the goalscoring consistency that marked his youth career did not fully materialise during those loans, Hugill accumulated valuable Football League minutes and continued to be viewed as a hard-working, physical forward with room to develop. His move to Kilmarnock now offers a fresh start in a competitive environment, with the Scottish Premiership club providing a clearer pathway to regular senior football. The switch also represents a full-circle moment of sorts, with Hugill having previously scored in Scotland during his time with Manchester United.
Régis Le Bris speaks warmly regarding Dan Neil after Sunderland exit
Régis Le Bris has spoken warmly about Dan Neil following the midfielder’s departure from Sunderland earlier this week, stressing his respect for both the player and the role he played during a pivotal period for the club.
Neil has joined Ipswich Town on loan for the remainder of the season, a move that brings his long association with Sunderland to a close when his contract expires this summer. The switch ends an 18-year journey that saw the academy graduate make 201 senior appearances and play his part in two promotions, including captaining the club back to the Premier League.
While Neil’s minutes were limited this season, Le Bris highlighted the importance of his influence both last year and during the early stages of the current campaign, particularly in helping a reshaped squad settle following promotion. The head coach revealed he had been in touch with Neil since his exit, describing a relationship built on honesty and mutual respect.
“Huge player and so for the club, for me as manager as well,” Le Bris said. “The connection we had last season was absolutely perfect. The way we worked together, the way he managed the team as a captain, and he was a key factor to manage the togetherness with Luke, probably those two players last season were really important for that topic. The journey is the journey, and I think he's now in a new part of his professional life. You have to leave at times, but with respect and good memories. We spoke over text about the pathway we had together. There’s a lot of respect. He did a good job, and now it’s a new part of his life.”
Le Bris also addressed the situation surrounding Neil’s reduced role this season and insisted that their relationship remained strong throughout. He made clear that there would have been no issue had the midfielder remained at the club until the end of his deal.
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‘As a manager, you have to do your job,” Le Bris said. “So it's not difficult if the conversation is still open. Direct, clean, respectful, and that was the case with Dan. So it was tough because you say you won't be the captain, it will be Granit. He knows that the level is the level, and he fought until the end. His contract situation was the contract situation. So not solved one year before, and when you come into the final year of your contract, with this level of competition, you know that something will happen. So it was already... not the end of the story, but the direction [was set], I would say. And after that, the transfer window is the end.
“If Dan would have stayed with us until the end, for me, it was completely comfortable. It wasn't a problem. It was his decision now. Do I need to leave? Do I think that I need game time now, rather than staying on the bench with maybe some opportunities, but not sure? He decided that it was better to leave, to play, to be involved in the core of the group. It wasn't the case with us, and we need to respect his decision.”
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