Leeds United have been linked with a surprise move for Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin ahead of the January transfer window, as Leeds eye a possible long-term replacement at left-back.
With Junior Firpo no stranger to injury, already suspended for four games and set to see his deal expire at the end of the season as things stand, it is no surprise Leeds may be looking at possible left-back options.
Indeed, Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that a new deal for Firpo will solely depend on whether Daniel Farke can guide Leeds to promotion at the second attempt. Leeds currently sit in third position.
But if Firpo does not sign a new deal, then Leeds need a long-term replacement on the left of the defence and Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin has been identified as target, with a move in January not ruled out.
Sunderland stance on Dennis Cirkin’s future amid Leeds links
The 22-year-old, described as “aggressive” by Tony Mowbray, has been superb for Sunderland since his move to The Black Cats from Tottenham. He helped Sunderland win promotion to the Championship.
Now experienced in the Championship after a season and a half in England’s second tier, Cirkin even scored on the weekend. The former Tottenham man has 10 goals and assists in 51 Sunderland games.
The Echo say amid new links with Leeds, Sunderland have made handing Cirkin a new deal a ‘priority’ with his current contract due to expire in the summer of 2026. Sunderland need to get a move on, quickly.
Dennis Cirkin compared with Junior Firpo in Championship
Despite being five years Firpo’s junior, Cirkin and Firpo have spent the same amount of time in England’s second tier. Firpo relegated in 2023, Cirkin promoted in 2023 to the Championship with Sunderland.
| Club | Championship Games | Goals | Assists | Wins | Clean sheets | |
| Dennis Cirkin | Sunderland | 51 | 7 | 3 | 24 | 20 |
| Junior Firpo | Leeds | 39 | 1 | 10 | 25 | 19 |
Incredibly similar assists, even if Firpo has played 12 less games than Cirkin. Similar amounts of goals and assists, and one apart in both Championship wins to their name and clean sheets, a good replacement.
If Leeds do need to delve into the market to bring in a younger version of Firpo that is experienced at this level then they cannot do better than Cirkin. He is likely the best left-back in the league, other than Firpo.
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