One of Kristjaan Speakman’s many strengths is his handling of player contracts. But two in Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin have seemingly slipped through the net.
It’s not often that Sunderland under the guise of Kristjaan Speakman lose a key player on a free transfer, or face an overly-frantic search to sell him to another club.
The club is always ready to extend players’ contracts as a reward for good performances, even if said player still has years left in his current deal.
But in the summer of 2026, Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin see their Sunderland contracts expire. This summer they’ll be in the final years of their contracts and that makes for an unusual and uncomfortable situation for Speakman.
Both remain key players for the side despite both having had spells in and out of form this season. Both players have also had interest from Premier League clubs this season.
Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil waiting for summer to decide Sunderland futures
Speaking to Sunderland AFC News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now weighed in on the situation and has confirmed that both players are aware they have outside interest right now. Spurs are among those interested in Cirkin whilst Neil has had links with Liverpool over the past 12 months.
And both players seem to want to know what division the club will be playing in next season before committing their longer-term future at the Stadium of Light. As things stand, the Black Cats sit in 4th place of the Championship table.
Bailey said if the situation: “It is clearly not ideal, both players want to know the club’s situation. 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.”
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What Kristjaan Speakman has said about Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin’s contracts
Speaking earlier in the season, Speakman discussed Neil and Cirkin’s contracts and insisted that both players remain committed to the cause, which is of course to go on and secure promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Sunderland chief said: “We’ve had those conversations with the guys. There’s no question over Dennis or Dan’s commitment to Sunderland. But I don’t think at the minute, it’s the right moment to be getting into too much of a conversation with them.”
For Speakman, though, Cirkin and Neil’s contracts are just two things that will need to wait until the summer to be sorted.
Sunderland have a number of players with Premier League interest and that might take precedence come the summer, as Speakman will have to manage who stays and who goes, and also who comes in to replace those who inevitably leave the club.