Sunderland may not need to look far for a Jack Clarke replacement.
Following a few difficult years with Tottenham Hotspur, the winger has returned to his best at the Stadium of Light.
After becoming a permanent member of the Black Cats in the summer of 2022, Clarke adapted to the team’s way of life quite well, playing a key role in the team’s run to the Championship play-offs.
The club’s success was largely due to him and Amad Diallo, and after Sunderland failed to qualify for the Premier League, rumors began to circulate that teams were considering signing Clarke.
Burnley and Brentford showed the greatest interest, and it’s not out of the question that they might make another appearance in January.
What is the latest on Jack Clarke’s future at Sunderland?
It was reported back in the summer that Sunderland rejected a £10 million offer for Clarke from Burnley.
Obviously, no deal was ever agreed upon, and Clarke has been continuing to perform for the Black Cats. But according to a report from Football Insider, the interest from Burnley and Brentford hasn’t gone away.
In fact, it says Burnley have been keeping an eye on Clarke and have been impressed by his early-season form. Brentford also remain keen on the 22-year-old, and therefore, Sunderland are bracing themselves for interest at the turn of the new year.
While Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray hasn’t ruled out Clarke leaving the club in January if an offer were to be made,
Who could replace Jack Clarke at Sunderland should he leave?
So with that said, Sunderland may already be looking at potential replacements for Clarke, but they may not have to look far, as they could already have one on their books.
Sunderland signed Jewison Bennette last summer from Herediano, and in his first season at the club, the winger did impress.
He made 15 appearances in the league, scoring a goal as well as recording a single assist. The Black Cats haven’t rushed Bennette, as they’ve allowed the player time to adapt to a new league, and it looks to be paying off.
Last season, he averaged 0.4 shots per game, 0.5 dribbles, and 0.2 key passes, as he showed glimpses of what he can do, as per WhoScored.com.
He’s suffered from injuries this season, but when he has played, he has shown that he has all the makings to be a very exciting, attacking prospect for them.
Obviously, Bennette is struggling for regular minutes this season because of the performances of Clarke, but when he has played, he has shown significant promise and has fans excited.
Although Bennette is still young and needs more time to mature and adjust to the English game, if Clarke were to depart in January, Bennette might be able to save Sunderland some money because he has everything needed to succeed Clarke.
Like Clarke now, Bennette is quick both with and without the ball, has an eye for goal, and can take players on.
Mowbray should take Bennette’s ability to replace Clarke into consideration if the 22-year-old decides to leave the team, even though it will take time.
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