For as long as memory allows, one of Sunderland’s Championship rivals have had a pretty big problem in a pretty important position.
The madcap Gianni Alioski had his moments, Junior Firpo has been a little more reliable than usual of late, but the left-back spot remains a near-constant source of migraines for all at Leeds United.
But can Dennis Cirkin be the footballing aspirin to take that pain away?
According to The Mirror, Sunderland’s promotion challengers certainly think so. Leeds are reportedly eyeing Cirkin ahead of the January transfer window, in the hope that the Black Cats can be tempted into selling a man who’s contract expires in the summer of 2026.
Don Goodman, the former Wearside hero who plundered 40 league goals for Sunderland in the 1990s, is in no doubt that Cirkin would be a superb addition to Daniel Farke’s squad at Elland Road.
But, while that contract situation remains a cause for concern, he cannot envisage any scenario in which Sunderland sell such an important piece of Regis Le Bris’ jigsaw to a direct rival in the middle of the campaign.
Don Goodman confident Sunderland will not let Dennis Cirkin join Leeds
“I would love to think that there is no way in the slightest Sunderland would allow Dennis Cirkin to leave in their current situation,” Goodman tells Football League World. “Especially to Leeds!
“He’s one of the best left-backs in the Championship and scored a great goal against Coventry at the weekend. He would be a brilliant addition for Leeds, but I’m not sure I can see it happening.
“After selling Jack Clarke in the summer, it would cause uproar amongst Sunderland fans if they sold another one of their young stars.”
Sunderland did, at least, earn themselves a substantial profit when Clarke left for Ipswich Town.
The winger appeared to have outgrown the Championship following a sensational solo campaign in 2023/24. And with Ipswich dropping £15 million onto the table, the Black Cats could not realistically stand in Clarke’s way.
Now, if a Premier League club comes and offers another eight-figure sum for Cirkin, that will give Sunderland plenty to think about. But until that day arrives – with the former Tottenham youngster’s admirers limited to the second-tier for now – Cirkin’s medium-turn future appears to lie at the Stadium of Light.
Cirkin tipped to stay and sign a new deal at Sunderland
Former England and Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Cirkin will stay at Sunderland and put pen to paper on a new contract, with their flying start to life under Le Bris a ride few will be any rush to jump off from.
“I know that this has come about with the [contract],” Palmer explains to Football League World. “That is alerting clubs to the fact he hasn’t renewed his deal yet at Sunderland.
“He’s been a standout performer for Sunderland this season, which inevitably leads to transfer talk. He’s played in every single league game so far and has been outstanding.
“His performance against Coventry City [last weekend] where he scored a brilliant solo effort reminded everyone of how good a player he is.
“There’s one thing that’s not going to happen,” the former Southampton and Nottingham Forest midfielder adds. “They are not going to sell him to Leeds United. That’s for sure.
“Sunderland are top of the league and Leeds are vying to get promotion. He won’t be sold and I would be very, very surprised if he doesn’t commit his future to Sunderland in the coming weeks and months.”