Jack Clarke, the winger who has been a joy to watch on Wearside, has joined newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. The day Sunderland fans had feared but new would come has arrived. 23-year-old Clarke passed his medical on Friday and the deal was confirmed on Ipswich’s official website itfc.co.uk on Saturday.
The fee is believed to be £15 million with a further £5 million in add-ons. Sunderland will owe a percentage of the fee to Tottenham due to a sell-on clause being inserted into the deal that took Clarke to the Stadium of Light.
Considering some of the other fees paid this summer, Ipswich will feel they have got a bargain and Sunderland fans will feel their club could have negotiated a bigger fee.
Jack Clarke Leaves Sunderland for Ipswich Town
Jack Clarke Leaves Sunderland: Fans Will Look Back With Fond Memories
Originally signing on loan in January 2022 when the Black Cats were in League One, Clarke helped the club secure promotion via the playoffs. He would sign permanently from Tottenham Hotspur that summer on a four-year contract.
The winger has been a joy to watch for fans on Wearside, his skilful wing play causing countless problems for opposition defenders. During his two-and-a-half years at Sunderland, Clarke scored 27 goals and created countless chances for his teammates from the left wing.
His departure will undoubtedly sadden fans but they will wish him well in the next part of his career at Ipswich Town and look back on many fond memories of his stay at the Stadium of Light.
For Sunderland, they will be hoping the players they have in their squad and any potential new signings made before the transfer window can step up and replace the departed Clarke.
For Ipswich, they will be hoping the winger can replicate his form from the Championship and help the Tractor Boys stay in the Premier League.
Clarke on Signing For The Tractor Boys
After putting pen to paper on a five-year deal, new Ipswich winger Clarke said: “Ipswich have been on a really good trajectory over the last few years and the recruitment this summer has been very impressive, so this was always something I was going to be interested in.
“Speaking with Kieran McKenna really sells the Club and the journey it’s on, as well as what they’re still trying to achieve, and you’re almost silly if you don’t want to jump on board with the way things have been going.
“I try to be an exciting player and contribute goals and assists so I think the style of football here will suit me, so I just feel excited to meet the lads and get started now.”
