Report: Tottenham already eyeing January move to sign former player to help UEFA homegrown quota

The summer transfer window may have just closed, but the world of football never truly sleeps, and planning for January is already underway at top clubs.

For Tottenham Hotspur, one area that requires attention is not just about adding quality, but also about addressing a specific regulatory need that impacted their Champions League preparations.

According to reports, the club is considering a move to bring back a familiar face to solve this very issue: Sunderland full-back Dennis Cirkin.

Spurs were notably active in the recent window, securing several high-profile signings designed to make an immediate impact under manager Thomas Frank.

The arrivals of Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani significantly bolstered the squad’s attacking and midfield options.

However, the focus on these areas meant defensive reinforcements were somewhat overlooked, leaving a gap that could be exploited over a long and demanding season.

This need became acutely apparent when the club had to submit its Champions League squad. Due to strict UEFA regulations requiring a minimum number of homegrown and club-trained players, Tottenham could only name a 22-man squad instead of the maximum 25.

This forced them to make difficult choices, including the unfortunate omission of talented forward Mathys Tel.

This administrative hurdle highlighted a strategic weakness—a lack of players who qualify as homegrown, particularly those trained by the club itself.

This is where Dennis Cirkin emerges as a smart and strategic target. The 23-year-old left-back is a product of Tottenham’s own academy, meaning he would qualify as a club-trained player in UEFA’s eyes, a valuable and often rare commodity for English clubs competing in Europe.

With his contract at Sunderland set to expire next summer and reports suggesting he is unwilling to sign a new deal, he could be available for a reasonable fee in January, representing a low-risk investment for the North London club.

Of course, the move isn’t without its questions. Cirkin is no longer a guaranteed starter at Sunderland following their own summer business, so regular minutes might be a motivation.

However, breaking into the Tottenham starting eleven would also be a challenge, with established options like Destiny Udogie and the versatile Ben Davies ahead of him in the pecking order.

His role would likely be that of a dependable squad player, providing cover and ensuring the team meets its off-pitch obligations without compromising on-pitch performance.

For Tottenham, a move for Cirkin is less about a flashy signing and more about intelligent squad building. It’s a pragmatic solution to a bureaucratic problem that caught them out this season.

Bringing back a player who knows the club, fulfills a crucial registration requirement, and provides reliable depth is the kind of shrewd business that supports a sustained challenge on all fronts.

While he may not be the most glamorous name linked with a move to N17, he could be one of the most important for the club’s European ambitions.