Sources: Tottenham are exploring unexpected move to re-sign player who left in 2021
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(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sun 14 September 2025 9:39, UK
Tottenham are plotting a surprise move to sign one of Sunderland’s key players as they put plans in place for the 2026 transfer windows.
Thomas Frank was not completely satisfied with Tottenham’s transfer window, and is already aiming to further strengthen his squad when the mid-season window opens.
Defensive reinforcements remain high on Spurs’ list given their lack of depth at the back, and they have now set their sights on Sunderland‘s Dennis Cirkin.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Cirkin has emerged as an option for Frank to strengthen his squad at left-back.
The 23-year-old came through the academy at Tottenham before leaving for Sunderland in 2021, and sources say he would be open to a return to North London in the January transfer window.
Credit: Imago
Cirkin has spent the start of the season on the sidelines after picking up a wrist injury towards the end of last season, and underwent surgery on the issue.
In the meantime, Regis Le Bris brought in both Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku at left-back, casting doubts over the Spurs target’s future in the Black Cats’ squad.
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Tottenham are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation and could make a move in January to resolve concerns about their homegrown quota in Europe.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it a bit of a surprise link this one as well, with Sunderland’s Cirkin.
He came through the ranks at Tottenham before going away to Sunderland and making a name for himself.
“He’s a good player, there’s no getting away from that, but whether he’d be a regular starter if Tottenham were to move for him, I’m not too sure.
“He would provide a boost to their homegrown quota, and they have had a few issues with that homegrown quote for their Champions League squad this year.
Credit: Imago
“So the deal could make sense if they want to bring him in to boost that.
“He definitely would provide cover for left-back if Tottenham were to make a move for him.”
Spurs’ current left-back options are Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence, with the latter having started the season in top form, and Cirkin would provide further depth.
Tottenham’s interest in Cirkin comes amid concerns surrounding the homegrown club-trained players who have to be registered for the Champions League.
A “club-trained player” is someone who has been on a club’s books for three entire seasons or 36 months between the ages of 15 and 21, with four needed on each team.
Tottenham had targeted Kyle Walker-Peters, now of West Ham, during the summer in an attempt to resolve those concerns and are now eyeing Cirkin.
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A number of academy graduates remained with the squad following the transfer window to help satisfy the UEFA rules, but new players are being targeted.
Cirkin left Spurs to join Sunderland in search of first-team football aged 19 having come through the academy ranks, and could provide a huge boost to the Lilywhites.
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