QPR boss Julien Stephan has said new boy Dennis Cirkin is making good progress on his road to recovery to full fitness.
QPR have recently snapped up the defender on a free transfer following his exit from Sunderland in the Premier League. He became available after his contract at the Stadium of Light expired in late June.
Cirkin, 24, isn’t fit yet though and the Hoops aren’t rushing him on to the pitch anytime soon. He made 11 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions last season, nine of which came in the league, as they ended up qualifying for Europe.
Championship Roundup
In this latest update regarding his condition, the R’s head coach Stephan has said, as per a report by West London Sport: “He is progressing day by day. He was out of contract, so he didn’t do a pre-season. But each day he is better and better. I think he is in a good way, but there is a difference between being in a good way and being ready to compete in the league.
“It’s very positive with Dennis in the last few days – really positive – but he started really only last week, so we need to wait a little bit to know exactly when he will be able to be involved. He has a strong desire and we will have to find the right moment and good timing.”
QPR’s left-back options amid Dennis Cirkin fitness update
QPR have also delved into the market to sign Boy Kemper at left-back NAC Breda. Kealey Adamson can also operate there if needed so they have cooled their interest in Luke Chambers at Liverpool.
The Hoops had a vacancy to fill in that position after Rhys Norrington-Davies’ return to Sheffield United after his loan expired. When available, Cirkin will be eager to get as much game time as possible.
Cirkin, who is an ex-England youth international, joined Sunderland back in 2021 and helped them rise from League One to the top flight during his spell in the North East. He played 126 matches and scored eight goals.
The Dublin-born man rose up through the academy ranks at Tottenham Hotspur. He was a regular for Spurs at various different youth levels but never played for their first-team.
Dennis Cirkin stats for Sunderland in all competitions
GamesGoalsAssists12687
The Verdict: Dennis Cirkin is an eye-catching addition for QPR
QPR’s focus will be on getting Cirkin up to speed. He will be a useful option when he is ready to play again.
He likes to get up and down the left flank of defence and get involved in attacks when required. The full-back knows what it takes to get out of the Championship after playing a key role in Sunderland’s play-off win back in 2025 under Regis Le Bris.
The Hoops will be confident about getting into the top eight this term. The fact that more teams can get in is a boost to Stephan’s men.
They won 3-1 away at Portsmouth on the opening day after goals by Ilias Chair (x2) and Koki Saito at Fratton Park so they will be in good spirits. They are back in action this weekend with a home clash against newly promoted Bolton Wanderers as they aim to make it two wins from two.
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