The future of long-serving left-back Dennis Cirkin is hanging in the balance, and our writers have weighed in on what might lie ahead for the Sunderland defender. Here's a closer look at the situation.

Ciaran McKenna admits he'd be gutted to see Cirkin leave. "I love the lad, and he's a genuinely talented footballer who hasn't had the best luck," he says. "But if you set sentiment aside, it's easy to see why a contract extension might not be on the cards."

The biggest concern? Cirkin's injury record. He's rarely gone a full season without missing games, often sidelined by significant, long-term setbacks. Since Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League, he's also slipped down the pecking order. The arrival of Reinildo was always going to cut into his minutes, but few expected him to become third choice—especially behind Trai Hume, who's been playing out of position at left-back.

Still, Cirkin has impressed when called upon this season. Against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday, he was solid and error-free. He also played a key role in a hard-fought draw at home to Manchester City. If he does leave this summer, McKenna believes he can hold his head high.

"He's been with the club since League One and was instrumental during both promotion campaigns," McKenna adds. "If Cirkin goes, we'll need to bring in another left-back—even if it's just as a backup for Reinildo—to build squad depth and rotation options."

Cirkin is part of a special group at Sunderland: players who've climbed from League One all the way to the Premier League. While several of those teammates remain, only Cirkin, Trai Hume, and Luke O'Nien are still in the first-team picture. In many ways, they've overachieved, showing loyalty, togetherness, and grit to help turn the club's fortunes around.

Whenever he's played, Cirkin has been a dependable, naturally left-footed full-back who loves to push forward and support the attack. He's chipped in with memorable goals and assists along the way. This season has seen him continue that tradition, but the big question remains: will he be wearing a Sunderland shirt next year?