Sunderland manager Lee Johnson is “delighted” to get a deal over the line for Tottenham Hotspur younger Dennis Cirkin, in quotes reported by the club’s official Twitter account.
Not so long ago, the Dublin-born 19-year-old was being tipped for a regular role in Spurs’ first-team plans by none other than Jose Mourinho.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss doesn’t have a brilliant track record when it comes to giving youth a chance but he obviously saw something special in Cirkin, including the full-back in the matchday squad for Europa League clashes with Royal Antwerp and Ludogorets.
“In relation to Cirkin and (midfielder) Harvey White, I already told the club I would like them to be with me next season in the first-team squad,” Mourinho told Football London last July.
So while the likes of Dele Alli and Joe Rodon might have been delighted to see the back of Mourinho, it may be no coincidence Cirkin was packing his bags and heading out the door just four months after Daniel Levy put the now-Roma boss out of his misery.
Cirkin joined League One Sunderland on a three-year deal in midweek, much to the delight of a coach who feels the Black Cats have pulled off a substantial transfer coup.
Should Tottenham have kept Dennis Cirkin?
“Delighted to have him. He’s a well-renowned talent for that level and that age group,” says Lee Johnson, a man with a fine reputation for talent development.
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“He’s obviously had some appearances for England throughout the ages and we’ve managed to capitalise, I suppose, on a contractual situation and at the same time give Tottenham some value.
“We’re really happy to have him. He’s a really good player and a player we believe we can nurture to become an even better player.
“He’s ready to go at this level in terms of his quality and, of course, we expect to be able to improve and increase that quality as well.”
Cirkin will replace Denver Hume as Sunderland’s first choice left-back.
Johnson today confirmed the out-of-contract Hume had rejected the chance to sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light.
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