Sunderland AFC will be grateful for £6m Tottenham transfer decision | OneFootball

After starring for Sunderland this season, the club will be grateful Tottenham did not activate their £6 million buy-back clause for Dennis Cirkin

After impressing for Sunderland under new manager Regis Le Bris, supporters and the club hierarchy alike will be breathing a sigh of relief that Tottenham did not take up the chance to activate their £6 million buy-back clause on defender Dennis Cirkin.

The clause in the left-back's contract expired in the summer on June 30, as per the Sunderland Echo, although Spurs will still potentially benefit from a sell-on clause in the future.

Cirkin has been an ever-present in Le Bris' starting lineup this season, and with a handful of goal contributions to his name already, it is becoming clear that the 22-year-old Englishman is now worth a lot more than £6 million to any potential suitors.

Sunderland AFC pulled a bargain from Tottenham in Dennis Cirkin

After spending his youth career with Tottenham having graduated from the club's academy, Cirkin made the switch to Sunderland in August 2021, where he has remained ever since.

The hard-working left-back has racked up 91 appearances in three years for the Black Cats, despite still only being 22 years of age. It is only recently, however, that the England youth international has succeeded in nailing down a starting spot at the club, and he is flourishing on Wearside in a way that he wouldn't be able to in north London.

Having known Cirkin's potential though, Spurs decided to put a £6 million buy-back clause in the player's contract, which expired after three years.

The deadline for activation passed in the most recent transfer window, meaning Sunderland were able to keep hold of their first-choice full-back.

It was unlikely that Cirkin would ever establish himself in the Spurs starting 11, especially when considering the rapid rise to prominence of Italy international Destiny Udogie, but there could have easily been a moment where Ange Postecoglou opted to bring the Dublin-born defender back as a back-up option for a relatively small fee.

Tottenham reluctance over Dennis Cirkin will only benefit Sunderland in the ong run

Sunderland supporters will be counting their lucky stars that Spurs decided against re-signing Cirkin, as he has cemented himself as one of the Championship's most promising full-backs this season.

His performances have been at the heart of Sunderland's success, helping to lead the Black Cats to the summit of the second tier of English football, with his stunning strike against Coventry City prior to the November international break a prime example of the talent he has.

Cirkin's stats demonstrate his ability to add value in all areas of the pitch, with three goal contributions as well as a being a very capable tackler in the defensive side of the game, the full-back manages to retain possession and break up play effectively for Sunderland, while also chipping in to the side's exploits in the attacking third.

With Sunderland having accrued 31 points already and Cirkin playing a major part, it is highly likely that most clubs would have to spend a fair amount more than the £6 million that Tottenham could have spent to secure Cirkin's services at this stage in his career.

And with two years remaining on his contract and still a young player, the left-sided defender will command a high price, especially if Sunderland can realise their ambitions of securing a return to the top flight for the first time since 2016/17.

It is well-known that players want to prove themselves at the top level, so making it back to the Premier League would provide a great deal of stability for Cirkin and may push him towards signing a new contract, but of course if Sunderland still find themselves a Championship club come the summer of 2025, then the eyes may be pointing towards the exit door.

Regardless of any uncertainty surrounding his future, Cirkin can only continue to impress and, barring any injuries, should be certain to continue his rich vein of form for Le Bris' high-flying Black Cats.