LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman of Sunderland reacts during the on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Just like last summer, Sunderland’s great will he stay or will he go saga burned slowly but came to a surprisingly swift conclusion.
After over a year of frenzied speculation and growing anxiety on Wearside, Jack Clarke was bound for Portman Road before news of Ipswich Town’s first formal bid had even been fully digested. Like Ross Stewart a year ago the speed with which the deal happened reflected the fact that up until the closing stages of the window, the much-touted interest in Clarke had not really materialised. With a week to go, it was approaching deal or no deal time. Sunderland have again opted for the former.
There are, of course, a couple of key differences between the two. Stewart had entered the final year of his deal and there were also significant question marks over his long-term fitness. After the initial dismay, Sunderland supporters could at least take comfort from the fact that the club had secured a good deal in the circumstances.
Now, the general feeling is that Sunderland have sold themselves short on a player whose record at second-tier level stands up to just about anyone’s over the last two years. Take a look at some of the deals that have happened across the division and you can understand why: Crysencio Summerville has joined West Ham United for a reported £25 million, Georginio Rutter heading to Brighton for £40 million or thereabouts. Clarke’s record compares favourably to both but he will leave for an initial fee of around £15 million. A not insignificant chunk of that will be due to Spurs as part of the deal agreed to sign him permanently two years ago. Sources close to the deal believe that around £5 million of potential add-ons have been agreed, and around £3 million of that is almost certain to be realised over the next year or so. Sources believe the final £2 million is unlikely to be realised, though it is a possibility. A sell-on fee, it should be said, has also been included and so if Clarke does well and moves on again then the deal will eventually be worth north of £20 million to Sunderland.
