Jack Clarke remains happy at Sunderland, although agent Ian Harte admits he could still leave the club in January, according to quotes provided by iNews.
The winger is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026 and was the subject of heavy interest from Premier League outfit Burnley in the summer. The Clarets saw several bids rejected which eventually totalled over £10 million and he has been the Black Cats’ standout performer this season.
Clarke’s penalty on Saturday earned Sunderland a 1-1 draw against Millwall and it was the 23-year-old’s 10th league goal of the season. As a result, he has now scored more Championship goals in a single campaign than any other in his career and his stock continues to rise.
It is said that Burnley remain interested in the former England under-20 international, although top tier rivals Brentford are also keen. Further bids are expected once the transfer window reopens in January, with previous reports claiming the Wearsider’s are holding out for £20 million.
Sunderland are keen to secure as much as possible for his services due to the huge sell-on fee which would be due to former club Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou’s team could earn up to 50% of any revenue received for the attacker having inserted the clause when they sanctioned his exit in 2022. However, Clarke’s agent Ian Harte confirms his client his happy at the club:
“Jack is happy. He loves it at Sunderland,” Harte, speaking on behalf of Free Bets, said.
“Obviously there was a club that came in over the summer to try and take him away. They put the offer in to Sunderland, Sunderland declined and obviously [in that situation] Jack has to stay professional, he has to still go and put performances in and that’s what he’s done and that’s what he’ll continue to do.”
Continuing, the former Leeds United star did concede that Sunderland may reluctantly sell should an acceptable bid come in:
“I’ve always said Jack is happy at Sunderland, he loves it at the club, he gets on with the group of players.
“I’m guessing Sunderland have a valuation, if that valuation is met then I’m sure they’ll be on to me and onto Jack saying ‘thanks for your time but it’s time to move on’ in the nicest way possible.”
Tony Mowbray’s side have recently fallen out of the play-off places following a run of one win in five and will be hoping to return to winning way this weekend when they take on fellow promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light.
Writer’s View
Jack Clarke is a player that looks destined to play in the Premier League, although he will hope that that is with his current employer. However, with recent form dropping off, they have slipped down the table and are now playing catch up, albeit with a very attainable gap.
September’s Championship Player of the Month has been patient and is clearly enjoying his time in the North East, as confirmed by Harte. It will be interesting to see which clubs come in for him in January and whether the player would be willing to join a club battling relegation, especially as there is a chance that Sunderland could swap places next season with the likes of Burnley.
Head of Writing
