Leeds United and Sunderland are two teams vying for promotion to the Premier League this season. Right now, it’s the Black Cats in front.
Sunderland remain in 1st place of the Championship table for this November international break. But Regis Le Bris’ side are now sharing the top spot with Sheffield United who sit in 2nd place only on goal difference.
It comes after a run of three-straight draws for the Black Cats, the last being a disappointing 2-2 draw against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light in which Sunderland held a two-goal lead at half-time.
Leeds United meanwhile are in 3rd. Sunderland drew 2-2 with Leeds United as well, playing on Wearside at the start of October and holding a 1-0 lead in that game.
Both teams may well be in automatic promotion contention come May. But ahead of the January transfer window, it’s reported that Leeds United are interested in Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin.
Leeds United chances of signing Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin rated
Cirkin, 22, was on hand to score a screamer against Coventry over the weekend. It was his second goal of the season having now featured in all 15 Championship games so far.
He missed much of last season owing to injury, featuring just eight times in the Championship. But Cirkin has been a shining light for the Black Cats this season, leading to reported interest from Leeds United.
However, journalist James Copley has rather brutally played down Leeds United’s chances of signing the English left-back, stating that he thinks Cirkin’s next move will be to the Premier League.
He posted on X: “There’s a lot being said about Dennis Cirkin and links to Leeds United. Personally can’t see it in January. His next move will be to the Premier League. Absolute baller.
“It would be an amazing bit of business to get him on a longer contract if possible. If it wasn’t for his injuries, he’d probably already be gone. He’s that good imo.”
Dennis Cirkin’s Sunderland contract and wages
Sunderland have a very good habit of extending players’ contracts long before they expire, and of simply handing players longer-term deals when they sign.
Cirkin joined Sunderland in August 2021, signing a five-year deal with the Black Cats, meaning that he’s out of contract in the summer of 2026.
Per Capology, Cirkin earns £10,000-a-week at Sunderland, making him the club’s joint fifth-highest earning (permanent) player right now.
Per the same source, the same amount would rank him in the lowest three first-team earners at Leeds United.