Sunderland’s unwillingness to breach their salary structure means that star forward Jack Clarke will not sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light, putting West Ham and other suitors on notice ahead of the summer.
In January, the Black Cats rejected a proposal of around £13 million (with £3.5 million in add-ons) from Lazio for Clarke, who has two years left on his present contract. However, given Sunderland’s player trading philosophy, the club may choose to listen to bids for a player who is attracting a lot of Premier League interest in the offseason.
Sunderland has had a dreadful 2024 thus far, sacking Michael Beale 12 games into his two and a half year deal and seen any play-off aspirations dashed.
A run of six consecutive defeats was only broken by a weekend draw with struggling Queens Park Rangers.
West Ham transfer target veteran star says he won’t sign new term at Sunderland.
It raises several problems for powerful football director Kristjaan Speakman, who designed the club’s vision, and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Both are tasked with finding a new permanent manager, and I understand there is interest in Reims manager Will Still, who was linked with the job prior to Beale’s appointment, as well as Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl and an unnamed Belgian managerial target on whom the club has conducted background checks.
Broader issues regarding ambition, transfer money, and if the club’s dependence on younger players is damaging their advancement.
ambitions – must be answered.
Whoever gets the post, explaining Clarke’s attitude is likely to be a priority, with his agent Ian Harte telling me he has “no idea” what the future holds. He has left the door open for Sunderland to enhance their offer, claiming that Clarke “loves” the club, but believes their dedication to the salary structure makes this improbable.
Speaking on behalf of FreeBets.com, Harte stated: “There’s not many people know this, but Jack’s contract required him to play a few games at the start of this season before being offered a new contract. There was a bargain presented, but it was not satisfactory.
“We were thrilled to sign a contract, but that was earlier in
It took place throughout the summer and has yet to be revisited.
“They have a salary system. Many clubs have that. I don’t believe [Sunderland] wants to break any framework for any football player, therefore I don’t see it happening.
Clarke will return before the conclusion of the season – an ankle ligament injury has healed enough for him to have a protective boot removed in recent days – but Sunderland will most likely have nothing to play for. The Black Cats are currently 13 points from the play-offs, 10 more than when Tony Mowbray was fired, and nine points from the relegation zone.
