Sunderland contract update shared on Cirkin and Neil – ‘Clearly not ideal’
Sunderland have a big summer transfer window ahead whether they achieve promotion back to the Premier League or not and there are several key contract situations that need to be resolved.
The Mackems are currently fourth in the Championship and look almost certain to finish in the playoff places, which will give Sunderland the chance to return to the top flight for the first time since 2017.
However, if Sunderland do not go up, there may be concern over the futures of several key players. Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil in particular, could be ones to watch this summer as they have just one year remaining on their contracts.
There has now been an update on the contract situations of the pair, and it is a situation that is far from ideal for Sunderland heading into the final months of the season.
Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil Sunderland contract situations explained
Both Cirkin and Neil have interest from other clubs, and it now appears that the outcome of Sunderland’s promotion push will influence their contract situations.
| Stat | Dennis Cirkin | Dan Neil |
| Appearances | 34 | 37 |
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Assists | 2 | 3 |
Speaking to SunderlandAFCnews, transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed that the pair are keen to wait to see what Sunderland’s situation will be next season before committing to any new deal.
“It is clearly not ideal, both players want to know the club’s situation,” he stated.
“Both players know they have interest elsewhere too, which obviously can play a part – if nothing else so they are aware of their market value.”
Premier League promotion vital for Sunderland squad planning
Sunderland have built their squad smartly in recent years, investing in younger talents who will build up their resale value, whilst also climbing up the table after a few years of disappointment.
Returning to the Premier League would be massive for this project to continue, and would allow Sunderland to keep their best players despite interest from elsewhere.
Falling short in the playoffs would be frustrating, and would likely mean that players such as Cirkin and Neil end up departing.
It has been a hugely promising campaign under Regis Le Bris, and the club have been able to attract highly talented players to buy into the project, but promotion is now the next natural step for this squad.