‘Would be a real coup at League One level’ – Sunderland pursue Tottenham Hotspur man: The verdict | OneFootball

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Football League World

·24 January 2022

‘Would be a real coup at League One level’ – Sunderland pursue Tottenham Hotspur man: The verdict

Article image:‘Would be a real coup at League One level’ – Sunderland pursue Tottenham Hotspur man: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

League One side Sunderland have made a move to recruit Tottenham Hotspur winger Jack Clarke on a loan deal, as per a report from Football Insider.


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The 21-year-old has been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular for Antonio Conte’s men since he arrived from Leeds United back in 2019, arriving for a £10m fee but enduring three relatively unsuccessful loan spells at the Whites, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City since.

He has made just one senior appearance for the Premier League giants this term, playing against Pacos Ferreira in a Europa League qualifying game back in August and appearing just once more on the bench as an unused substitute in the Conference League.

Quiz: Have each of these 25 ex-Sunderland players ever played in the Premier League?

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Article image:‘Would be a real coup at League One level’ – Sunderland pursue Tottenham Hotspur man: The verdict

Grant Leadbitter?

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Mainly playing for the Under-23s this term, his future in north London looks bleak and with this, he has been heavily linked with a move away and there has certainly been no shortage of interest in his signature.

Many Championship teams – but the chance to play at the Stadium of Light may prove to be too tempting to turn down for the young wide man.

But from the Black Cats’ point of view, would he be a good signing? And is he a much-needed addition on Wearside?

We asked three of our writers at Football League World for their verdicts on these two key questions.

Marcus Ally

From the player’s perspective, I do not see Sunderland as the right fit for Jack Clarke at this stage of his career.

The 21-year-old enters the final year of his deal with Spurs next season and therefore needs regular action in the second half of this season, to begin gaining admirers and contacts for when he does move away from North London.

There is a lot of competition for places in wide areas at the Stadium of Light, which will make it difficult for Clarke to start games in the first place let alone establish himself as a starter.

Spurs should be looking a little further down the third tier table to secure a destination where Clarke can earn some valuable experience.

Billy Mulley

Jack Clarke is a promising youngster, and whilst a couple of loan moves have not worked out for him, he would be a real coup at League One level.

The Black Cats are chasing down promotion back to the Championship and the arrival of a player as talented as Clarke could help them in their overall ambition.

Possessing the final third quality, skill and confidence to shine in League One, Clarke is someone that could really take the Black Cats to the next level.

Recruiting in wide positions seems to be a theme this month at the Stadium of Light, with Patrick Roberts also arriving on Wearside.

Clarke and Roberts could be key for unlocking defences consistently as the season progresses, with Ross Stewart likely to be reaping the rewards of his side if they bring in a second bright winger this month.

Ned Holmes

Things haven’t really worked out for Jack Clarke since his Sunderland exit but he’s still young and there’s definitely talent there.

Lee Johnson could well be the manager to help him rediscover his form and get things back on track, so I can see this move working out.

Patrick Roberts has already joined but squad depth will be vital in the second half of the season and with that in mind, signing some additional firepower could be very useful.

The drop down to League One could see Clarke thrive after a few fairly disappointing Championship loans.

It could be a go-er, this one!

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