Transfer of Sunderland Star Following intense Premier League interest, the team’s stance has been revealed.
Tony Mowbray, manager of Sunderland, has said that winger Jack Clarke stayed cool over the summer despite heavy interest from Premier League club Burnley.
The Clarets made numerous approaches for the 22-year-old during the last transfer window, with the Lancashire club rumored to have put a final offer of more than £10 million on the table. Sunderland, on the other hand, valued their star at £15 million, and it was believed that Clarke had grown irritated with the Black Cats’ refusal to discuss his exit.
The former Tottenham Hotspur teenager joined Sunderland on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2022, becoming one of the club’s standout performances as Sunderland reached the play-offs in their first season back in the Championship. He scored nine league goals last season and is well on his way to exceeding that total this season with five goals in seven games.
Speaking to the media before of tomorrow’s game against Cardiff City, Mowbray said that Clarke remained committed to the cause despite Burnley’s interest, and that he was delighted to stay on Wearside.
“He told me that if the move happens, he’ll take it in stride.” If that doesn’t happen, he’ll be content at this football club.
“He told me that so I wouldn’t be afraid. He wasn’t pounding on my door, saying, ‘gaffer, I want to go, what’s up?’ He wasn’t going to do that.
“He was saying if it happens, it happens; if it doesn’t, I’ll give you everything I’ve got, which was good to hear, and he’s continued to do that.”
The former Celtic manager then praised the forward for his strong start to the season.
“I’m pleased with Jack Clarke’s goal return so far.” With the loss of Amad, I questioned if Jack would be able to maintain his goal and assist totals from last year. That appears to be his intention.
“Like I said about the team, he needs to keep his feet firmly planted on the ground, work hard, and keep trying to do what he’s been doing.”
Clarke’s play has certainly piqued the interest of Premier League clubs, although Sunderland have the upper hand with three years remaining on his current contract.
Author’s Opinion
Sunderland have emerged as one of the form teams in the Championship after a quiet start to the season, with four wins in their past five. With his five goals, Jack Clarke has been instrumental in the turnaround, taking over from last season’s loan star Amad Diallo.
He appears to be bound for the Premier League, but Mowbray will be hopeful that they can improve on last season’s play-off run by reaching the Premier League for the first time since 2017. They would have a much better chance of keeping the winger next season if they did this.
