Sunderland are facing a fight to hold onto their star winger Jack Clarke, with the 23-year-old attracting significant interest from clubs in the Premier League.
Clarke came through the academy at Leeds United before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 for an initial £8.5 million fee. After failing to break through at Spurs, he made the move to Sunderland in 2022 and has since blossomed into one of the best wingers in the Championship.
The winger’s rapid development at the Stadium of Light has not gone unnoticed, with several top-flight clubs now circling to try and secure his signature before the transfer window closes.
Premier League Interest Intensifies
Over the past 12 months, Clarke has firmly established himself as Sunderland’s key attacking threat, contributing 28 goals and 22 assists in 113 appearances for the Black Cats. His eye-catching performances have caught the attention of numerous Premier League sides.
During the summer of 2023, Sunderland reportedly rejected a £10 million bid from newly-promoted Burnley for Clarke’s services. In January 2024, the club also turned down at least two offers from Italian outfit Lazio, with the Rome-based club unable to agree a fee with the Championship side.
However, with Clarke’s contract at the Stadium of Light set to expire in 2026, Sunderland know they may struggle to keep hold of their prized asset beyond the current transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the Black Cats believe it will be “extremely difficult” to retain Clarke this summer, with the winger attracting interest from several top-flight clubs, including West Ham United and Brentford.
West Ham had previously expressed an interest in Clarke back in January when David Moyes was in charge, and it seems his replacement, Julen Lopetegui, is also keen on the wide attacker. Meanwhile, Southampton have been named as another suitor, with the Northern Echo reporting that the 23-year-old has emerged as a “key target” for the Saints.
Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move for Clarke in the past, prior to their signing of Ismaïla Sarr, while Ipswich Town are the latest club to firm up their interest, submitting a bid in excess of £15 million according to The Times.
Leeds United’s Pursuit of Former Academy Star
One of the most intriguing potential destinations for Clarke is a return to his former club Leeds United. The Yorkshire outfit are “well aware” of the situation surrounding their academy graduate, according to journalist Mike McGrath.
However, the Yorkshire Evening Post has stated that a top-flight switch is more likely for Clarke, with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window. They report that a bid in excess of £20 million would be required to tempt Sunderland into selling their prized asset.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Leeds are in the mix to sign Clarke, but face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs. He believes the player would be open to a return to Elland Road, but the Whites may struggle to match the fees being touted by Sunderland.
Contractual Situation Complicates Matters
Sunderland’s chances of retaining Clarke beyond this summer have been further complicated by the player’s contract situation. According to Football Insider, the winger has rejected a new deal at the Stadium of Light amid the ongoing interest from Southampton and Leeds.
His agent, Ian Harte, revealed earlier this year that the initial contract offer from Sunderland was “not good enough,” and that he doesn’t believe his client will sign a new deal with the club.
With Clarke’s current contract not expiring until 2026, Sunderland are in a strong negotiating position. However, Tottenham’s 25% sell-on clause, rather than the rumored 40%, means the Black Cats will miss out on a significant portion of any potential transfer fee.
Sunderland face a tricky balancing act in the coming weeks – do they cash in on their prized asset for a substantial fee, or do they attempt to convince Clarke to commit his long-term future to the club? Whatever happens, it promises to be a tense finale to the summer transfer window at the Stadium of Light.
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