“Sunderland Fans React; Jack Clarke regret verdict issued over Ipswich Town move. Is the Championship is “his level”
Jack Clarke’s high-profile move from Sunderland to Premier League side Ipswich Town last summer hasn’t quite gone as expected so far.
The winger had been a major transfer target for a year following two stellar seasons at Sunderland, where he consistently hit double digits for goals across all competitions.
Clarke had established himself as one of the Championship’s top attackers, and after Sunderland’s disappointing 16th-place finish in the 2023/24 season, it seemed inevitable that he would leave.
Ipswich ultimately secured his signature in a deal reportedly worth up to £20 million.
However, Clarke has struggled to adapt under Kieran McKenna this season.
Despite making 28 Premier League appearances, only 11 of those have been as a starter, and he has played just 1,024 minutes.
He has completed a full 90 minutes only once, in Ipswich’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United in February.
While he impressed during Ipswich’s FA Cup run, his Premier League performances have been less remarkable.
Clarke has provided four assists but is still searching for his first Premier League goal with just four games remaining.
Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Saturday following a 3-0 loss to Newcastle United.
With Sunderland positioned for a return to the Premier League after securing a fourth-place finish, some are wondering if Clarke might regret his decision to move, especially since both clubs could be in opposite divisions next season.
Sunderland Fans Reflect on Clarke’s 2024/25 Season with Ipswich
FLW asked Sunderland fan pundit Jordan Newcombe whether Clarke might regret leaving for Ipswich and moving to the Premier League.
Newcombe feels that Clarke may indeed have second thoughts about the transfer.
“I think he probably will regret it,” Newcombe said. “Looking from the outside, he must’ve known what he was getting into.
He’s earning Premier League wages, but aside from the four remaining games, he hasn’t scored a Premier League goal.
It hasn’t really clicked for him, and he hasn’t stood out consistently.”
“Clarke’s had a few good performances here and there, but overall, it’s been an average season. Meanwhile, Sunderland have flourished this year.
If we swap leagues next season, Clarke might really regret it, especially as he went there for a Premier League career, but Ipswich only lasted one year in the top flight.”
“Perhaps Ipswich wasn’t the right club for him. This could be a sign that the Championship is his level.
The gap between the Premier League and the Championship has widened so much that not every standout player in the second-tier can make the jump seamlessly.”
Clarke’s Future Still Holds Promise at Ipswich
While Clarke’s struggles this season have raised questions about his ability to thrive in the Premier League, it’s premature to write off his career at Ipswich.
At just 24 years old, Clarke has shown significant potential in the Championship and can still be a valuable asset for Ipswich next season, provided he remains at the club.
His ability to beat defenders and create chances is certainly top-flight quality, but he has not been able to replicate his goal-scoring form from the Championship.
Moreover, his limited opportunities and the challenging circumstances at Ipswich—who have been destined for relegation for much of the season—have made it difficult to shine.
Whether the Premier League is the right environment for Clarke remains up for debate, but he still has plenty of time to rebuild his career.
A successful season back in the Championship, performing as he did at Sunderland, could be exactly what Clarke needs before he makes another push for a Premier League role.
