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“Obviously there’s no doubt that we need to strengthen our squad, we need players that fit our club and our style, and the one name that all fans are wish to have back since the day he left is…..”- Sunderland Encouraged to Re-Sign Forgotten Star Fans Are Eager to See Back. A Potential Game-Changer for the Premier League .
Sunderland Eye Jack Clarke Return After Premier League Promotion
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League guarantees them at least £200 million in revenue, but if they’re to avoid the pitfalls that befell Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town in the 2024–25 season, shrewd recruitment will be essential.
With a young core under Regis Le Bris, adding experience will be key — especially as Jobe Bellingham is widely expected to leave, potentially boosting their transfer budget further.
Could Jack Clarke Be the Right Fit Again?
Jack Clarke, who scored 15 goals and provided four assists in the 2023–24 campaign, left Sunderland last summer in a surprise £15 million move to newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Many expected him to join a more established Premier League club, and his stint at Portman Road hasn’t gone to plan.
Clarke failed to find the net in the top flight and made just 12 starts, often used out of position due to tactical overlaps with full-back Leif Davis.
Now that Ipswich are relegated and Davis is reportedly on Nottingham Forest’s radar, there could be room for Clarke to shine in the Championship.
However, Sunderland fan pundit Jordan Newcombe believes bringing Clarke back would be the smarter move — provided the price is right.
“We clearly need reinforcements that fit our style, and Clarke has always been seen as a top talent. I’d love to see him return — but not at £15 million,” Newcombe told FLW.
He added that Clarke was underused and seemingly undervalued at Ipswich, often substituted first when the team needed a tactical shift. “His move to Ipswich just wasn’t the right fit,” he said.
“He looked demotivated, and in hindsight, it feels like poor advice from his agent, Ian Harte, led him there instead of trusting Sunderland’s promotion push.”
Clarke Still Has the Tools — And the Fan Support
Despite his struggles, Clarke remains a fan favorite, known for his ability to cut in from the left and deliver with his right foot.
Newcombe believes he would slot seamlessly into Sunderland’s current squad, backing up Romaine Mundle or starting outright.
“If we re-sign Clarke, we’re adding a proven player who knows the club, the system, and the fans. It would be one of our best transfer moves,” he said.
Clarke, who was spotted at Wembley during Sunderland’s play-off final win, is already familiar with Le Bris and his methods. With Tommy Watson heading to Brighton, a gap has opened on the left wing — and Clarke could be the perfect solution.
The Financial Dilemma
However, there’s a catch. Ipswich are unlikely to accept a cut-price deal and will almost certainly want to recoup — or profit from — the £15 million they spent last summer. While Sunderland might hope to negotiate a lower fee based on Clarke’s underwhelming season, Ipswich are in no rush to sell cheaply.
If Sunderland are serious about bringing Clarke back to Wearside, they may have to meet or exceed that original fee — but for a player who already fits the system and has unfinished business in the Premier League, it could be worth it.
