Jack Clarke has been at the center of a summer-long transfer saga, but as the new Championship season kicks off, the 23-year-old remains a Sunderland player.
Clarke initially joined Sunderland on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2022, playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the Championship via the play-offs. This led to a permanent transfer in July 2022 for around £750,000—a fee that now seems like a bargain.
Now a fan favorite at the Stadium of Light, Clarke ended last season as Sunderland’s top scorer with 15 goals, stepping up when the club’s central forwards struggled to find the net. His impressive goal-scoring form has attracted interest from Premier League side Southampton and Ipswich Town, though his high price tag has deterred potential suitors so far.
However, a late transfer window move for Clarke could leave Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris with little time to find an adequate replacement.
Clarke has been exceptional since joining Sunderland in 2022. After a promising stint at Leeds United during the 2018/19 season, Clarke was signed by Tottenham but failed to make an impact in North London. He joined Sunderland on loan two and a half years ago when the club was third in League One. Despite a slow start, Clarke played a significant role in their push for promotion, featuring in all three play-off games, including the final win against Wycombe Wanderers.
Since then, Clarke has flourished in the Championship, scoring nine goals in his first season and another 15 in the 2023/24 campaign. With Amad Diallo sharing the spotlight the previous season, Clarke emerged as a standout player, often carrying the team on his back. His absence due to injury last season was keenly felt, as Sunderland managed just one win in six games, ultimately falling short of a top-six finish.
With Sunderland lacking a consistent striker last season, Clarke provided nearly 30% of the team’s goals, filling the void where others could not.
A late departure for Clarke could severely impact Sunderland’s season before it fully begins. Although interest in Clarke appears to have cooled, clubs are likely still monitoring his situation as the transfer window nears its August 30 deadline. With Clarke already off to a strong start this season, scoring in Sunderland’s 2-0 opening day win against Cardiff City, there is a strong chance that a last-minute bid could come in for him.
While Sunderland will be eager to keep hold of their star player, a significant offer might be difficult to resist, especially with the club still in need of a new striker. However, as the window draws to a close, Sunderland may increase their asking price, knowing that finding a replacement on short notice would be challenging. A late move could leave the Black Cats without a key player until January—a scenario that could be disastrous for Le Bris in his first season at the Stadium of Light.
Though Sunderland could bring in a replacement, there’s no guarantee that a new signing would match Clarke’s effectiveness for the Black Cats, regardless of the investment.
