(Credit: Imago)

'Sunderland in race against time' as Tottenham prepare Dennis Cirkin offer

Rahul graduated with a degree in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh in 2021. He has since worked for Planet Sport, Snack Media, GRV Media, Goalkeeper.com, Villarreal USA and more, covering football across the world. A La Liga specialist, Rahul is based between London and Valencia, and he joined Breaking Media in March 2025 for the company's club websites.

Published on:

22 Jun 2025, 12:30 pm

Sunderland face a tough battle to keep their key players ahead of next season as an update emerges on Dennis Cirkin.

Jobe Bellingham has already scored for Borussia Dortmund after his high-profile exit from the Stadium of Light, and there could yet be more departures.

Sunderland's fairytale return to the Premier League has come with the caveat that teams are now circling around their best players. As a result, remaining in England's top-flight will be a difficult task, especially if they are to lose Cirkin.

Cirkin left Tottenham to join Sunderland in 2021 (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland prepare new contract for Cirkin

As reported by Football London on Friday (20 June), Tottenham have considered a move for Cirkin.

And according to The Northern Echo (22 June), Tottenham officials are now lining up a formal offer to bring Cirkin back to North London.

However, Sunderland want to keep the 23-year-old, who is a key part of Regis Le Bris' plans next season, for the long term, and are now eager to tie him down to a new contract.

Apps	Goals	Assists
116	8	6

Cirkin's Sunderland record

Spurs want to sign Cirkin as he can be registered as a club-trained player for the UEFA Champions League.

The defender is out of contract at the end of next season. Therefore, if the Black Cats can't agree on a new contract, they might have to consider a sale to avoid losing a key player on a free transfer.

And with Spurs now ready to make their move, Sunderland are in something of a race against the clock.

Le Bris will be keen to keep hold of Cirkin (Credit: Imago)

Cirkin would be a huge loss for Sunderland

Cirkin has impressed at left-back and was a key figure as Sunderland achieved promotion from the Championship.

The Englishman has contributed in attack while also remaining solid defensively, and if Sunderland lose him for a fairly low fee given his contract status, he will be tough to replace.

The Ireland-born defender has made 116 appearances for Sunderland since his arrival in 2021, and he will now have to choose between a starting role in the Premier League with the Black Cats, or a rotational role with his former club.

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Dennis Cirkin