Jack Clarke hands Sunderland major boost ahead of 2024/25 | OneFootball

Sunderland's Jack Clarke has opened up on his fitness issues ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Sunderland winger Jack Clarke insists he will be fully fit and ready to go ahead of the new season, as he vowed to improve on his excellent campaign last time out.

The Black Cats endured a hugely disappointing season last time out, as they ended up finishing 16th after failing to sustain a push for the play-offs.

However, Clarke did enhance his own reputation, as he scored 15 goals and registered four assists in 40 appearances.

Jack Clarke provides positive Sunderland fitness update

The last of those goals came in February, with Clarke missing a six-game period from late February, and whilst he did return for the run-in, he didn’t appear to be at his best as he failed to find the net.

And, speaking to the Northern Echo, the 23-year-old has opened up on the ankle problem he had, as he explained how he will be at 100% when Sunderland start their Championship season at Cardiff City on August 10, as he also reflected on his own performances.

“In a sense (last season was really good) but I still feel like I could have brought a lot more. I'll try to bring a lot more as the season unfolds. There was still a lot of chances I missed and still a lot more I could have done. Hopefully, I'll bring that this season.

“Thankfully for me, the break came at a good time to give my injury a rest and time to heal. Like everyone else, I'm still trying to get up to match speed and fitness and dust off the cobwebs. Hopefully, by the time the season starts I'll be back at my best.”

Jack Clarke transfer latest

The winger is focusing on Sunderland right now, but there has been constant speculation surrounding his future for the past few months, and that’s unlikely to stop now the window is open.

Clarke’s displays in the Championship have put him on the radar of clubs in the Premier League, and the Wearside outfit know that this could be the right time to cash in on their star man.

The former Leeds man has entered the final two years of his contract at the Stadium of Light, but the club have been unsuccessful so far in trying to tie him down to an extension.

Therefore, his value could start to drop after this window closes, so a sale has to be under consideration if a suitable offer does arrive.

From the perspective of the player, he will no doubt feel he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League after a disappointing spell at Spurs earlier in his career, so it will be interesting to see if he pushes for a move should any offers materialise over the coming weeks.

Sunderland’s transfer plans

The strategy at Sunderland is well known now, as the club generally targets younger players who can develop, which was part of the appeal of Regis Le Bris, who has shown he can improve individuals.

The head coach will be aware of the approach, but the signing of Alan Browne is perhaps a sign that the Sunderland hierarchy accept that some mistakes have been made, and that they must strike the right balance if the side is to win promotion.

You get the feeling that there’s a lot of activity still to take place involving Sunderland in the market, both in terms of new recruits and outgoings.

So, it could be a busy period, and all connected to the club will be hoping that Clarke can stick around - even if it does seem a long shot.