Dennis Cirkin of Sunderland wanted by Tottenham. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Tottenham consider re-signing Premier League bound star with fast expiring contract

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Tottenham exploring a move to re-sign Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin

Tottenham Hotspur lost several players to injury problems last season, forcing former boss Ange Postecoglou to chop and change personnel almost in every game.

An unprecedented injury situation was one of the main factors for the Lilywhites’ forgettable campaign. The injuries showcased the need for increased squad depth at White Hart Lane, something Daniel Levy must address in this ongoing transfer window.

Also, the North Londoners’ entry back into the Champions League after a three-year absence brings additional requirements for Thomas Frank and his team. They will need to name a 25-man squad for the Champions League, but eight of those 25 must ‘qualify as a locally trained player.’ Of those eight, at least four must have spent three years at the club between the ages of 15 and 21.

Tottenham are currently struggling to meet those requirements, and that has prompted Daniel Levy and Co. to explore ways in which they could bring back players who have been a part of the club before as a youngster. They are under pressure to comply with UEFA’s rules in order to compete in the premium European competition, and this has led them to explore a move for a former academy product.

According to a report from Football London, Spurs have identified Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin as a potential target this summer. The 23-year-old is being monitored ahead of his return to the top flight with Sunderland. The Lilywhites are also eyeing a move for Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer.

Dennis Cirkin spent many years in the Tottenham academy before moving to Sunderland in 2021. The left-back played a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, making five goal contributions in 39 Championship outings.

“Spurs have looked at the past in bringing back 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, who has impressed at Sunderland,” Football London journalist Alasdair Gold wrote.

“He made 39 appearances this season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League through the play-offs and he has 12 months remaining on his contract.

“Tottenham are in line for a sell-on percentage for the player if he leaves this summer, meaning they would get him for a cheaper price, although a buy-back clause reportedly expired last year.”

Spurs had a buy-back clause on Cirkin but unfortunately it expired in 2024. They do have a sell-on percentage, though, but the North Londoners are exploring a potential move for the former England youth international. He has a contract at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2026, so they could land him on a bargain deal in this transfer window.

An attacking and enterprising left-back, Cirkin could act as a solid deputy for Destiny Udogie. The defender being club-trained means he’d also help Spurs comply with the UEFA’s rules in order to compete in the Champions League. It remains to be seen whether the player would be interested in returning to his boyhood club or stay at Sunderland and help them achieve safety next term.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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