Sunderland: How is Jack Clarke getting on at Ipswich Town after summer move?
Without doubt, the transfer story of the summer at Sunderland was Jack Clarke’s departure to Premier League outfit Ipswich Town.
Having remained on Wearside for the majority of the summer, Clarke left for Ipswich in a deal worth £15m plus add-ons, as per BBC Sport. According to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats inserted a 15% sell-on clause, meaning they would be due a fee from any future sale.
Although it is extremely early days, how has Clarke been getting on at Portman Road since his move?
Jack Clarke limited in opportunities so far at Ipswich
Since his move from Sunderland, the left-winger has featured twice for the Tractor Boys. Having started in Ipswich’s Carabao Cup defeat at the hands of AFC Wimbledon, Clarke made his league debut off the bench against Fulham, playing nine minutes.
The 23-year-old would have been relishing the chance of playing against League Two outfit, AFC Wimbledon, but was unable to make an impact in their penalty shoot-out defeat. Against Fulham, the winger was limited to nine minutes, so cannot be judged just yet.
Indeed, breaking into Kieran McKenna’s side will not be easy. The Tractor Boys were incredibly busy during the summer window and signed a host of attacking players, including the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Sammie Szmodics, and Chiedozie Ogbene.
During the opening three games of the Championship season, McKenna has fielded Hutchinson on the left twice, while Szmodics started there in Ipswich’s 1-1 draw with Fulham. As the more natural left-sided player, it must be assumed that Clarke will work his way into the left-wing position.
An interesting plot line at Ipswich will be the future of teammate, Nathan Broadhead. The former Sunderland man has missed the start of the season through injury but will drop down the pecking order as a result of Clarke’s arrival.
With the pair set to battle it out for a place, Broadhead’s future at Portman Road must be viewed as uncertain and his situation will be worth keeping an eye on.
Jack Clarke must prove he is Premier League quality
It is certain that Clarke was one of the best footballers in the Championship last season.
Having improved year-on-year since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur, the left-winger produced his greatest form during the 2023/24 Championship season, contributing 15 goals and four assists. Although there is no doubting his talent, the 23-year-old must prove that his abilities are transferable to the Premier League.
In 2019, Clarke made the move from Leeds United to Spurs for a reported fee in the region of £10m, as per BBC Sport. While it appeared his career trajectory was on the up, the move never worked out, and after loans at QPR and Stoke City, the winger joined League One Sunderland on loan.
Having shown potential, the Black Cats snapped up Clarke on a permanent deal in what must be viewed as a superb piece of business by the club.
It is testament to Clarke that he has created another chance for himself in the Premier League, and it has been down to graft and self-belief that he has forged such an opportunity.
The 23-year-old’s game is all about taking on players and working his way into dangerous positions before unleashing on goal. In the Championship, Clarke could do this at the drop of a hat, but the top flight will prove a trickier task.
During Sunderland’s FA Cup third round defeat to Newcastle United last season, it was men against boys and Clarke looked lightweight when sized up to the likes of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, and Sven Botman.
However, Ipswich represents a fresh opportunity, and under McKenna, the East Anglian side’s style of play should suit the winger. Indeed, they have looked dangerous at times in the Premier League and will create opportunities.
