"Would be a massive blow" - Sunderland AFC strongly urged to avoid Dennis Cirkin exit scenario | OneFootball

The left-back has been excellent this season, and could be one of many Black Cats players targeted in the transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland's start to the season has been superb, and their young squad is continuing to pick up excellent results both at home, and on the road.

Their 2-1 victory in mid-week over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road was a true showing of their character, as the Black Cats held strong in an excellent defensive performance to hand the team yet another three points.

It means that they enter the weekend still top of the Championship table, ahead of Burnley and Leeds United by three clear points.

Regis Le Bris has worked wonders in his early days at the Stadium of Light, and while some expected them to struggle after losing Jack Clarke in the summer, new stars have taken the reins while those who have been at the club for a number of years have continued to perform.

However, with the January transfer window just two months away, there will be fears that some of Sunderland's top players could be poached, and those that are crucial to the team's system may be targeted by those in the Premier League.

Fan Pundit makes January window claim

Although it has been a brilliant first 11 matches for Le Bris' side, the next few weeks are crucial and ultimately could decide whether they will be a challenger for the title or just in contention for the play-offs.

Nevertheless, if they continue at their current rate, then they will be in the top two towards the end of the campaign, but keeping hold of their aces is a priority now, and they must not allow themselves to be weakened in the transfer window.

Football League World has asked their Sunderland Fan Pundit, Wayne Doran, which player he believes cannot leave in January.

He told FLW: "I think the key player that Sunderland simply can't afford to lose in January is Dennis Cirkin. He's absolutely vitally important to the team right now purely because we haven't got cover or adequate cover in that left-back area.

"He gives that combination of energy, he gets forward, he helps the wingers, he's versatile, he's strong, he's good in the air. It really makes him indispensable."

Wayne concluded: "I mean losing him in January would be a massive blow. Especially since it’s hard to replace a player of his quality mid-season and, like I said, his ability to move up and down the side of the pitch with an attacking threat makes him a player Sunderland really can't afford to let go of in January."

Cirkin is imperative to Sunderland

At 22, the future is really bright for Dennis Cirkin, and he is a Premier League player in waiting, but he must not rush for that opportunity.

His contract does not expire until the end of the 2025/26 season, something that gives him ample time to try and get success with Sunderland, rather than jumping at the first chance.

However, it is something that works both ways, and the Black Cats must not cash-in while they are in the fight for promotion. It has been an extremely long road back for the Wearside club following back-to-back relegations to League One between 2017 and 2018.

Cirkin is a key example of everything that Sunderland have become - hard-working, young and talented. Keeping hold of him is imperative for their season, and they cannot afford to try and find another left-back with his qualities in the space of just a month.

As good at going forward with the ball as he is with it defensively, not many left-backs in the Championship can boast the same statistics as the 22-year-old. He has won 24 tackles, the most for any player in his position, completed 14 dribbles, and has also come out on top in 92 duels, as per FotMob.

Losing Cirkin in January would be detrimental to the Black Cats, but Le Bris has already formed great relationships with his players, and it seems extremely unlikely that he will jump ship at such a crucial point.