Régis Le Bris hints Dennis Cirkin could leave Sunderland on a free this summer | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris says Dennis Cirkin could depart Sunderland as a free agent this summer, with the defender’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the head coach stressed no final decision has been taken on Cirkin’s future and that the picture could still shift over the final five games.

Cirkin impressed during his Premier League introduction around AFCON, but his standing has dipped. Trai Hume’s late outing at Villa Park at left back last week underlined where Cirkin currently sits in the pecking order.

Le Bris underlined the strength of competition, noting three strong full-backs are vying for places and it is difficult for a fourth-choice player approaching the end of his deal. He said the future remains open and the focus must stay on the league, while accepting it might be the end of the story if both sides are not aligned.

Cirkin has made nine appearances this season, but has only one brief substitute appearance since the FA Cup win at Oxford in February.

Le Bris added that no call has been made on Bertrand Traoré either. The winger, who has a games-based option in his contract, is aiming for a partial return to training next week after a knee injury, and any decision remains premature.

Source: Sunderland Echo