Carlisle United have today signed Sheffield United midfielder Harrison Neal on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 22-year-old joins the Blues on a permanent deal from the Premier League club after cutting short a loan spell in League One with Stevenage.

Former Barrow loan star Neal will bolster Paul Simpson’s midfield for the battle to stay in the third tier.

He has long been on United’s radar and, with the move now confirmed, the player could be involved for the first time in this weekend’s trip to bottom-four rivals Exeter City.

Blues boss Simpson, speaking to the club website, said of the signing: "He's a good, strong midfield player and I was really impressed with him last season on his loan to Barrow. 

"He's got a good range of passing, he's got a bit of tenacity about him so he can win challenges and get around the pitch, and I think at a young age he's a really good player to bring in.

"He hasn't played as many games as he would have hoped during his loan at Stevenage, but that's probably a reflection of Stevenage doing so well.

"We've been speaking to Sheffield United for probably the last couple of months about him and as to what would happen, and thankfully we've managed to get a deal agreed.

"I'm sure he'll be a really good addition to the football club and I look forward to seeing him develop over the next couple of years."

Neal came through the academy ranks at Sheffield United and has had a number of loan moves early in his career.

News and Star: Neal, third left, caught Simpson's eye during an impressive loan spell with Barrow last seasonNeal, third left, caught Simpson's eye during an impressive loan spell with Barrow last season (Image: Eddie Garvey / MI News)

A spell at National League North side Kettering saw him gain first-team football early in the 2021/22 season with a further move to National League club in Southend United later that campaign.

Neal’s next temporary switch was to south Cumbria as he spent last season with Barrow.

He made a positive impact over 52 appearances for Pete Wild’s team in League Two.

Indeed, Wild spoke highly of Neal’s ability and potential towards the end of his time at Holker Street.

News and Star: Neal made 52 appearances for Barrow last seasonNeal made 52 appearances for Barrow last season (Image: Ian Allington / MI News)

"He has been outstanding, there are not enough words you can say about that young man,” Wild told our sister title The Mail last April.

“He came in as a young loan, his first league loan, and what he has done in that time is there for everyone to see.

"Left foot, right foot, wins headers, wins tackles – he is so mature for such a young man and he is going to have some hell of a career.”

Wild and Barrow wanted to bring Neal back for another spell but instead the young midfielder stepped up to League One with Stevenage on a season-long loan.

But he has found regular appearances hard to come by with Steve Evans’ high-fliers, Neal making just one league start and four sub appearances, plus a further six cup outings for the seventh-placed Boro.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Neal was one of three players returning to their parent clubs from loans at Stevenage.

That came as United stepped up their bid to seal a permanent deal for the Blades prospect, the player having signed until the summer of 2026.

Stevenage boss Evans admitted Neal’s game time at the Lamex Stadium had been restricted by the impressive form of those in the side recently.

“Everyone wanted them to have more game minutes, but our own players have been producing some brilliant performances, so it has been difficult for them,” he said of the three players leaving the club.

United say the deal is subject to the clearance of paperwork, while Simpson is aiming to bring in another new face soon. 

"We would like to wish Neal all the best in his future career," added Sheffield United in a statement.