Sunderland AFC: Le Bris and Speakman must take Dennis Cirkin action before it's too late - View | OneFootball

Kristjaan Speakman must press on with a new deal for Dennis Cirkin, who has performed imperiously this season.

One of several players who has impressed for Sunderland during the start of the season is Dennis Cirkin.

Given the Black Cats' fast start to the Championship season, credit must go to the left-back, who has stood out despite the high level of performances of his team-mates.

Despite his misfortune with injuries, the 22-year-old has developed season by season into an outstanding left-back for the club, and given he has less than two years remaining on his contract, Kristjaan Speakman must press on with a new deal before Premier League clubs come prowling.

Dennis Cirkin's performances warrant new deal at Sunderland

Sunderland signed Cirkin from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2021 when the club were in League One.

Looking back at when he made his debut against MK Dons, Cirkin was one of three players in the Sunderland squad who are still at the club today. While Dan Neil played in central-midfield, Anthony Patterson was on the bench.

Although it feels like he only arrived at the club yesterday, Cirkin has developed through a time of serious change at the club. While there have been a significant number of outgoings, the 22-year-old has emerged as a real talent on Wearside.

During his first season at the club, the left-back cemented his place under Lee Johnson and Alex Neil, and made 34 league appearances, which resulted in promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

In the 2022/23 season, Cirkin became more of an attacking threat in Tony Mowbray's free-flowing side and contributed five goals and one assist despite suffering a string of injuries.

However, last season the defender's progress was further scuppered when he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. As a result of the injury, Cirkin underwent surgery on his left hamstring and managed a mere eight appearances.

This season was always going to be a critical one for Cirkin. Nobody could question his talent, but had his run of injuries hampered his confidence?

Cirkin answered those questions emphatically with his early season displays, which have seen him excel under Regis Le Bris' all or nothing style of playe. The left-back has looked unstoppable down the wing and has contributed one goal and one assist in four appearances.

Given the level of his performances, there is no wonder that Speakman has addressed his contract situation publicly.

Dennis Cirkin's performances sure to attract Premier League attention

Such have been the performances of Cirkin, that it would not be surprising if Premier League clubs came sniffing for the left-back.

Interest in Sunderland's stars was rife over the summer, and although Jack Clarke departed for Ipswich Town, several other players remained on Wearside despite interest, including Jobe Bellingham, Trai Hume and Anthony Patterson.

Although there was no reported summer interest in Cirkin, that could be set to change given he has emerged as one of the best full backs in the Championship.

Having come through the academy at Spurs, the 22-year-old has proved himself in the EFL and if Sunderland were to achieve promotion this season, then nobody would question his place in the starting line-up.

Although there has been no reported interest in recent times, reports made the rounds in 2022 claiming that Tottenham were interested in re-signing the defender from Sunderland, as per Sun Sport.

With under two years left on their current deals, Speakman addressed Neil and Cirkin's contract situations. “It’s [contracts for Neil and Cirkin] definitely on our radar,” Speakman told the Sunderland Echo.

The director of football continued: “The thing with contracts is that you get some complete, and then there’s always other ones that start moving closer. It’s a little bit like painting the Forth Bridge in that respect. It’s a constant piece of work, and we’ve always tried to be on the front foot with that element of things."

While it appears that Cirkin's contract is very much on Speakman's agenda, the club should look to press on with an agreement over the coming weeks and months to deter potential suitors in the January window.

There is no doubting Cirkin's talent and his performances in red and white are deserving of a new deal at the Stadium of Light. Furthermore, the 22-year-old should be an integral part of the club's push for the Premier League.

Cirkin has continued to improve during his stint at the Stadium of Light and has flourished under Le Bris' system, building a strong presence in the final third. The left-back has proved his worth at both ends of the pitch with a series of fine performances.

Given the level of his displays, Speakman has addressed the left-back's contract situation and claims the club are working on a new deal for the player, who currently has under two years remaining on his current contract.