Dennis Cirkin: Sunderland exit confirmed with emotional post – ‘signing out’
Dennis Cirkin has announced he will be leaving Sunderland this summer, describing his time on Wearside as a “privilege”.
Signing from Tottenham in the summer of 2021, Cirkin instantly became an important player for Sunderland.
Turning out 37 times in League One during his debut 2021-22 campaign at the Stadium of Light, the defender helped the Black Cats finally end their unwanted four-year stay in the third tier.
Injuries would soon start to play a major part of his Sunderland story, helping to limit him to 28 total appearances in 2022-23 and just eight in 2023-24 respectively.
However, Cirkin has still proven to have been a very shrewd piece of transfer business by the Black Cats, and it’s clear that the football club has gotten under his skin too.
What has Dennis Cirkin said about Sunderland exit?
Regis Le Bris hinted at Cirkin leaving Sunderland at the end of his contract, with the left-back buried firmly down the pecking order in 2025-26.
Now 24, it’s crucial that the former England youth international is playing regular football as the prime years of his career approach, and he’s simply not going to get that on Wearside.
| Cirkin’s 25-26 PL stats | Result |
| Minutes played | 320 |
| Pass accuracy | 77.8% |
| Dribble success | 75% |
| Defensive contributions per 90 | 7.87 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.25 |
He will always be remembered fondly by the Sunderland supporters though, especially after playing a key role in helping the club win promotion back to the Premier League in 2024-25.
Indeed, he made 36 Championship appearances that year, scoring three times and providing two assists, showing his quality and value to the side when fully fit.
Alas, by taking to his Instagram account Cirkin has confirmed that this summer is the end of the road for him as a Sunderland player, as he posts an emotional and detailed message alongside a video montage of his time with the Black Cats.
“Quite the video and caption lol but It’s crazy how quickly time passes, the goodbye that once felt so far away is finally here :/,” Cirkin wrote.
“As a young boy, all I wanted was an opportunity. A chance to play, to prove to myself that I belonged. Sunderland gave me that, and then gave me so much more.
“Because this was never just about football. This city took me in and made me one of its own. The people here are like nowhere else: proud, loyal, full of heart and so passionate. That spirit gets into you. It changed me.
“Walking out at the SOL with that crowd behind me is a feeling I’ll chase for the rest of my life. The roar, the energy, the way it lifts us, that was always you.
“On the best days you carried us, and on the hardest days you never once turned your backs. I’ll never forget that.
“To this city and its people: thank you for taking a chance on me, and for making me feel at home from the very first day.
“Thank you. For the passion, the loyalty, the noise week after week. To represent you, and to wear this badge over 100 times, has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
“When I look back, I won’t remember the statistics. I’ll remember the heart and soul of our community. The feeling of a whole city behind one team. What we built back up together.
“I arrived a boy chasing a dream. I leave carrying this place, and all of you, with me forever 🙂 Signing out <3.”
Sunderland stars react to Cirkin’s goodbye post
Cirkin leaves Sunderland having forged a tight relationship with the fans and his teammates, and that’s been reflected by the amount of current and former Black Cats players reacting to his goodbye post.
Wilson Isidor said: “All the best my brother DC3,” whilst Dan Neil simply responded by saying: “Legend DC.”
Meanwhile, former Black Cats winger Patrick Roberts said: “Some boy.” Trai Hume summed up Cirkin in one word: “Hero.” Whilst Borussia Dortmund star Jobe Bellingham commented: “Love u.”
Love Dennis Cirkin, me. Came for nowt, left for nowt, but helped get #SAFC two levels higher in between. What a fella ❤️❤️ #SAFC
— Michael Graham (@Capt_Fishpaste) June 2, 2026
Others like Chris Rigg, Eliezer Mayenda, Robin Roefs, Aji Alese, Elliot Embleton, Edouard Michut and Matt Young respectively left love heart emojis, whilst Romaine Mundle said: “Farewell again. My LB.”
It’s a sad day for Sunderland to lose a player as well-loved as Cirkin, but he will go with the blessings of everyone at the football club, and he’s sure to be an excellent free agent signing for whoever picks him up next.