Sunderland must thank Spurs for handing them dazzling star: View
HIGHLIGHTS
- Jack Clarke’s move to Sunderland sparked his turnaround, leading to impressive stats and key contributions in play-off wins.
- After struggling on loan spells, Clarke flourished at Sunderland, scoring 26 goals in 92 appearances and becoming a vital player.
- With reports suggesting a bargain £750,000 deal, Sunderland stand to gain a hefty profit from Clarke’s potential sale to interested clubs.
Unfortunately for him, he made just four senior appearances for the club and endured a series of fairly unsuccessful loan spells away from the English capital.
He even dropped down to League One during the early stages of 2022 to join Sunderland, but this proved to be a turning point for the 23-year-old, who was given a sufficient opportunity by Alex Neil to thrive.
Clarke didn’t always shine throughout his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, but he did manage to provide the assist for Patrick Roberts’ crucial late goal in the play-off semi-final second leg away at Sheffield Wednesday.
And with the Black Cats going on to win the final, they were finally able to get themselves back to the Championship following a long, frustrating spell in the third tier of English football.
It was an excellent time for the club, but Clarke was in limbo following the end of his loan spell.
Jack Clarke’s permanent spell at Sunderland
The Wearside outfit brought in some talented players during the summer of 2022, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sanctioning permanent deals for the likes of Dan Ballard and Aji Alese, whilst Ellis Simms and Amad Diallo came in on loan.
All four of those (have) made an impact for the Black Cats, with the former two still at the club.
Clarke also joined during that summer and it didn’t take long for the fans to realise that this was a signing that was going to pay dividends.
Having previously struggled out on loan in the second tier, it was clear that Clarke richly benefitted from being able to settle down at a club permanently.
