
EPL Index
·9. September 2025
Tottenham Hotspur considering move to sign Sunderland star in January

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·9. September 2025
Tottenham Hotspur could be set for a reunion with a familiar face, as reports suggest a January move for Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin is under consideration. According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Thomas Frank is “considering a move for Dennis Cirkin in January” as Spurs look to strengthen their options at full-back.
Spurs’ squad has been under pressure in Europe, where they were forced to name just 22 players for the Champions League group stage due to a shortage of homegrown talent. Cirkin, a product of the Tottenham academy, would qualify as a club-trained player – a vital factor for UEFA registration.
As the original report highlights, “Cirkin came through Tottenham Hotspur’s academy and would count as club-trained in Europe, which would be a huge boost for their squad.” For a club seeking to balance depth with compliance, this could be a smart move.
Cirkin, now 23, is entering the final months of his contract at Sunderland. His situation has become unsettled following the arrival of Reinildo from Atlético Madrid, leaving him “somewhat frustrated at the Stadium of Light, having fallen down the pecking order.”
This opens the door for Tottenham to swoop in during January and potentially land the left-back at a bargain fee. The timing seems crucial, as the club had considered Cirkin during the summer but chose not to act.
With Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, and Ben Davies as current full-back options, Spurs have numbers but perhaps not the balance Thomas Frank wants. Bailey’s report stresses that while Davies can fill in, it would “only be if disaster struck,” underlining the need for another reliable option.
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For Tottenham, the prospect of adding quality and ticking the homegrown box makes Cirkin a strong candidate for January.
From a Tottenham fan’s perspective, this potential move feels like a clever piece of business rather than a headline signing. The need to address the Champions League squad size has been obvious since the summer, and recruiting someone like Cirkin – who already understands the culture of the club – could be a low-risk solution.
Many fans will recall his academy promise and feel a sense of unfinished business. His versatility and homegrown status provide added value, especially when UEFA restrictions come into play. The thought of a “cut-price” return also softens the deal for supporters wary of overspending.
That said, the question is whether Cirkin is the calibre of player required for a team with Champions League ambitions. With Destiny Udogie establishing himself as a first-choice option, and Pedro Porro excelling on the right, Cirkin may find minutes hard to come by. Some fans might argue this is more of a depth signing than a push to elevate the squad.
However, depth wins competitions. Injuries and fixture congestion will hit hard after Christmas, and Spurs have learned the cost of being under-resourced in previous seasons. Bringing Cirkin back offers both practicality and sentiment – a combination that usually resonates with the fan base.
Overall, while not glamorous, this move could be judged as quietly effective. If the fee is right and Cirkin embraces the chance to reignite his Tottenham career, fans are likely to welcome him home.