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Former professional footballer turned Sky Sports analyst Don Goodman has issued a strong warning regarding Leeds United’s reported interest in Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin, suggesting any potential January transfer would be highly contentious.
The context of this transfer speculation is particularly significant given Sunderland’s current impressive position.
Under Regis Le Bris’s management, the Black Cats have defied pre-season expectations to share the Championship summit with Sheffield United (who faced a two-point deduction) after 15 matches.
Leeds United sit just behind in third place, making them direct promotion rivals.
Sunderland’s robust league position (31 points, +14 goal difference) has them well-positioned for a potential Premier League return after a seven-year absence.
Despite recent challenges with injuries and suspensions leading to three consecutive draws before the international break, their promotion aspirations remain strong.
Cirkin, who arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022, has become an integral part of Le Bris’s squad, playing every minute of Championship football this season.
The 22-year-old’s contract runs until 2026, and despite missing significant time last season through injury, he’s established himself as an undisputed starter.
The Sunday Mirror’s report (November 10) of Leeds United’s interest has prompted Goodman to advocate strongly against any potential deal.
Having already lost Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town last summer, Goodman believes selling another young talent, especially to a promotion rival, would spark significant fan backlash.
Goodman emphasized: “While Cirkin ranks among the Championship’s premier left-backs, as evidenced by his recent goal against Coventry, any transfer to Leeds seems improbable.
After Clarke’s departure, selling another rising star would likely trigger intense fan opposition.
Though Leeds’ interest is understandable, Sunderland should categorically reject any approaches.”
The situation encapsulates the delicate balance between talent retention and competitive integrity in the Championship’s promotion race, with Sunderland seemingly well-positioned to resist any advances for their defensive stalwart.
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