Crystal Palace is reportedly interested in Jack Clarke, according to a report by Football Insider. West Ham United was also interested in signing the 23-year-old winger, but their attempt to do so in the winter transfer window was unsuccessful with a price of £15 million. Sunderland will demand £20 million in the summer transfer window in order to let him go.
Jack Clarke: who is he?
This season, Jack Clarke has shown to be one of the top wingers in the EFL Championship. The Englishman, who was raised in York, finished his youth career at Leeds United after playing for the West Yorkshire team. He was signed by Tottenham in July 2019, however the North London team’s first team did not allow him to become a regular.
After a brief loan period in the second half of the 2021–2022 season, Sunderland eventually signed the 23-year-old in 2022. And in the Stadium of Light, he has advanced significantly. Clarke is having a fantastic 2023–24 season. In 35 games played so far, he has contributed 19 goals, 15 goals in the goal, and 4 assists.
A number of Premier League clubs have taken notice of the young player’s development at Sunderland AFC. Prior to a move falling through, West Ham United made an attempt to sign him during the winter transfer window. Prior to the summer, the Hammers are still interested, but Crystal Palace will be a fierce rival.
During the January transfer window, Crystal Palace also entertained the idea of signing Jack Clarke. Given that Jordan Ayew is past thirty, it makes sense that people are still drawn to the Englishman. Michael Olise also has an unclear future at Selhurst Park because a lot of prestigious teams are interested in him. Thus, Crystal Palace now has a legitimate reason to pursue Clarke.
As for West Ham, Maxwel Cornet isn’t likely to be a long-term option on the left wing, therefore the Hammers are also looking for a wide attacker. Jarrod Bowen is also well-liked in the industry. Therefore, West Ham needs to add a wide attacker, and Clarke is a viable candidate.
In order to part ways with the 23-year-old English winger, Sunderland will need £20 million. Taking into account the player’s development over the last 18 months, that seems like a reasonable asking price. Thus, it will be intriguing to see if Crystal Palace and West Ham are willing to spend £20 million to acquire Jack Clarke.
