Tottenham Hotspur endured a difficult season last year, with a string of injuries forcing former manager Ange Postecoglou to frequently shuffle his lineup.
The injury crisis was a major contributor to Spurs’ underwhelming campaign and highlighted the urgent need for greater squad depth at White Hart Lane — an issue chairman Daniel Levy must tackle during the current transfer window.
With the North London club set to return to the Champions League after a three-year absence, manager Thomas Frank faces added challenges. UEFA regulations require clubs to name a 25-man squad for the tournament, with at least eight players classified as ‘locally trained.’ Of those, a minimum of four must have spent three years at the club between the ages of 15 and 21.
Currently, Tottenham are finding it difficult to meet those homegrown player criteria, pushing Levy and his team to consider re-signing former academy players. The club is under pressure to meet UEFA’s requirements to be eligible for Europe’s top competition, which has led them to explore the possibility of bringing back former youth talents.
According to Football London, one such target is Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, who is being closely watched ahead of Sunderland’s return to the Premier League. Spurs are also reportedly interested in securing Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer.
Dennis Cirkin came through the ranks at Tottenham’s academy before making the switch to Sunderland in 2021. Since joining the Black Cats, the left-back has become a vital part of their squad, playing a significant role in their promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs. During the Championship campaign, he registered five goal contributions across 39 appearances.
“Spurs have looked at the past in bringing back 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, who has impressed at Sunderland,” Football London journalist Alasdair Gold wrote.
“He made 39 appearances this season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League through the play-offs and he has 12 months remaining on his contract.
“Tottenham are in line for a sell-on percentage for the player if he leaves this summer, meaning they would get him for a cheaper price, although a buy-back clause reportedly expired last year.”
Tottenham previously held a buy-back clause for Dennis Cirkin, but that option expired in 2024. While they still retain a sell-on clause, Spurs are now considering a fresh move for the former England youth international.
With Cirkin under contract at Sunderland until the summer of 2026, the North London club could potentially secure his services at a reasonable price this transfer window.
Known for his attacking instincts and energy down the flank, Cirkin would provide reliable cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back. His status as a club-trained player would also help Spurs meet UEFA’s homegrown player criteria for the Champions League.
However, it remains to be seen whether Cirkin is open to a return to his boyhood club or prefers to stay at Sunderland to aid their Premier League survival hopes.
