Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin is entering the final months of his contract, and with no extension agreed, several ambitious Championship clubs are expected to keep a close eye on his situation ahead of the January window.
The 23-year-old has not made a Premier League appearance this season after spending the past half-year sidelined by wrist and knee issues. A product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, Cirkin joined Sunderland in August 2021 while the club were still in League One, having never featured for Spurs’ senior side.
Eligible to represent England, Ireland, Latvia, Azerbaijan, or Turkey, he made an immediate impact in his first professional campaign. Cirkin played 34 times as Sunderland earned promotion via the play-offs and continued as first-choice left-back under Alex Neil, Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale, and later Régis Le Bris.
He remained a key figure last season, making 36 Championship appearances and playing every minute of the play-offs, culminating in promotion back to the Premier League after eight years away. However, this year has been a far more frustrating spell, with injuries limiting him to the treatment room while new arrivals Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku have added further competition.
With his path back into the side now uncertain, Sunderland may choose to cash in during January rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer. For Championship sides, the opportunity to secure a proven, young full-back could be a significant coup. Here are three clubs who should be paying close attention:
Coventry City
Coventry look one of the strongest sides in the division under Frank Lampard, scoring freely and pushing for automatic promotion. Jay Dasilva has made the left-back spot his own, with Miguel Angel Brau and Jake Bidwell providing depth. However, if the chance arises to strengthen further, Coventry may be tempted. Cirkin could fit their longer-term Premier League planning and would represent smart business, especially if available on a free.
Ipswich Town
Leif Davis continues to attract Premier League interest but recently extended his deal at Portman Road. Behind him, though, Kieran McKenna’s options are thin. Ashley Young brings experience but is 40, while Conor Townsend is set for a lengthy spell out with an ACL injury. Cirkin’s ability to cover both left-back and centre-back would offer versatility and strong competition, making him a potentially excellent low-cost addition to a squad with top-flight ambitions.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have exceeded expectations and are firmly in the promotion picture. Under new boss Kim Hellberg, the team has momentum, though the left-back position remains an area to watch. Matt Targett, on loan from Newcastle, currently starts, leaving Alex Bangura out of favour. Cirkin would provide a younger, long-term option with significant Championship experience. If Boro remain in the mix come January, he could become an attractive target.
With his contract winding down and competition increasing at Sunderland, Cirkin’s future may lie elsewhere. For clubs seeking a reliable, still-developing defender, the opportunity is clear.