His value’s soared 3,868%: Sunderland have struck gold on their new Clarke
Sunderland’s Success in Developing Talent: From Jack Clarke to Eliezer Mayenda
Being a lower-league club in English football, as Sunderland have been for too long, often means facing the constant threat of losing top talent to bigger teams higher up the pyramid.
This became evident again when Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, swooped in to sign winger Jack Clarke in a deal that could eventually reach £20 million — a move that proved to be a major windfall for Sunderland.
Jack Clarke: A Transfer Masterstroke
Sunderland secured the services of Clarke on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 following a productive loan spell. At the time, Transfermarkt estimated his value at just £2.9 million.
Clarke flourished during his time at the Stadium of Light, notching up 24 goals and 16 assists over two Championship seasons. His standout performances convinced Ipswich to spend big, paying up to £20 million for the winger.
This represents a remarkable increase in value of over £17 million — a testament to Sunderland’s ability to provide a platform for talented players to thrive and raise their profile.
Eliezer Mayenda: The Next Breakthrough Star
Now, another player appears to be following in Clarke’s footsteps. Sunderland may have found their next star asset in Eliezer Mayenda.
Mayenda arrived from French side Sochaux in the summer of 2023 with a modest valuation of £252,000. He initially struggled, failing to score in eight Championship appearances during the 2023/24 season.
However, the arrival of manager Regis Le Bris marked a turning point. Under his guidance, the young Spaniard blossomed, scoring 10 goals and contributing five assists in 40 league matches.
As a result, Mayenda’s market value has skyrocketed — rising an astonishing 3,868% to reach £10 million. His standout moment came with a crucial goal in the play-off final at Wembley, helping Sunderland secure promotion.
Described by Kevin Phillips as a “threat,” Mayenda has become another example of how Sunderland can nurture young talent and dramatically boost their market worth.
By identifying and developing players like Clarke and Mayenda, Sunderland have not only built a stronger squad but also created valuable assets ahead of their return to the Premier League.
