Sunderland is facing a challenge in retaining their star player, Jack Clarke, as negotiations for a new contract have proven to be difficult. According to journalist Alan Nixon, Clarke is considered the prized asset of Sunderland’s young squad. During the summer, Premier League club Burnley made several bids for the 22-year-old winger, but Sunderland remained steadfast in their refusal to sell him.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Clarke has remained focused on his game and has already equaled his goal tally from the previous season. He has scored nine goals in 15 Championship appearances so far this season.
Reportedly, several top-tier clubs are ready to make a move for Clarke in the upcoming January transfer window. These clubs include Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. This indicates a strong interest in the player’s services and adds to the pressure on Sunderland to secure his future with the club.
Sunderland is reportedly holding out for a £15 million transfer fee for Jack Clarke before considering a sale. However, up to 50% of that fee is earmarked for former club Tottenham Hotspur due to a significant sell-on clause that was included when they allowed Clarke’s sale in 2022. Sunderland is eager to secure Clarke’s future with a new contract, even though his current deal runs until 2026.
To encourage Clarke to stay, the club has offered him a substantial pay rise. Still, Sunderland is also interested in inserting a significant sell-on clause of their own in the new contract. So far, Clarke has not agreed to the terms, which has piqued the interest of clubs like Brentford.
Manager Tony Mowbray has remained composed in his assessment of the situation, but it’s believed that the club is considering another loan move for Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo, who performed well during his previous stint at the Stadium of Light. However, sources have indicated that the 21-year-old is determined to remain at Old Trafford and compete for his place after returning from injury.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, is interested in using experienced players on the right side of his attack this season, which could lead to another loan move for Diallo in the New Year. Unfortunately for Sunderland, this loan move is likely to be to a team competing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Writer’s View
The situation surrounding Jack Clarke’s future is unlikely to be resolved before the upcoming transfer window. Sunderland is determined to secure the talented attacker with a new contract that benefits both the player and the club. While there is an acceptance that Clarke may eventually move to a new club, Sunderland aims for a deal that suits their interests, especially considering the percentage of the transfer fee that would be owed to former club Spurs.
Sunderland remains confident about their prospects of reaching the Premier League, and they hope that the allure of top-flight football will persuade Clarke to stay at least until the end of the current season. Their recent 0-0 draw with Swansea City kept them just outside the top six in the Championship, with only a two-point gap behind Preston North End, who occupy the final playoff spot. The club’s push for Premier League promotion could be an attractive proposition for Clarke to consider.
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