Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Wed 27 May 2026 12:00, UK

Archie Brown is the first of many players to be linked with a move to Sunderland this summer.

The Black Cats were already in line for another huge summer transfer window, only made bigger by the fact that they qualified for the Europa League.

Sunderland will need adequate depth across all areas of the squad, which may well have changed their initial transfer plans.

Dennis Cirkin had been linked with an exit from Sunderland, with his contract set to expire this summer.

And it seems as though that stance may still be the same with Brown potentially on the move.

Who is Archie Brown?

Despite being just 23 years old, Brown has certainly had his fair share of ventures in his career, having actually started with Derby County.

He failed to make a senior appearance there before moving to Switzerland, and then Gent and then Fenerbahce, where he is today.

Brown is an attacking left-sided defender who has, at times, shown a capability to play in the centre of defence.

A report from Takvim, relayed by Sporx, states that Sunderland have already made an offer to sign Brown, though a decision has yet to be made on his future.

What does this mean for Cirkin?

Cirkin has been reliable when called upon, but Reinildo’s form has pushed him down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, as showcased by the fact that he has made just three Premier League starts and just eight appearances in total.

Any role for him next season would almost certainly be as a squad player, and with interest from around England, it’s unlikely he would settle for that.

All signs point towards an exit for Cirkin in the coming months, with a move to a club at the top end of the Championship the most likely avenue.

Cirkin’s last appearance for Sunderland was in the 1-1 draw against Wolves, with his last start coming against Oxford in the FA Cup in February.

For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.