When Jack Clarke departed the Stadium of Light to join newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town, it was a major setback for Sunderland. However, under new French manager Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 Championship season while Clarke and Ipswich have struggled in the top-flight.
Although Clarke is still adjusting to his new club at a higher level, Sunderland seems to have come out on top in the deal that could reach £20m. The 23-year-old had made a name for himself at Leeds United before moving to Tottenham and then Sunderland, where he flourished over two years, making over 100 appearances and impressing with 28 goals and 23 assists.
On the other hand, Ipswich and Clarke have found life tough in the Premier League, with the Tractor Boys yet to secure a victory in their opening eight games. Despite a strong start with Sunderland, Clarke has faced difficulties with his new team, contributing an assist but struggling to make an impact.
Meanwhile, Sunderland, under Le Bris, have excelled in the Championship, sitting at the top of the table after winning eight of their first 11 matches. With a young and dynamic team, including players like Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts, the absence of Clarke has not been felt as the team continues to perform well.
While things could change in the future, for now, it seems that Sunderland has benefited from the deal with Ipswich. The Black Cats are thriving in the Championship, while Ipswich and Clarke are facing challenges in the Premier League. Time will tell if the two clubs will swap places in May, but for now, Sunderland fans can be optimistic about their team’s prospects.
