Sunderland could now look to ‘fabulous’ 24-year-old as Jack Clarke replacement

Jack Clarke is ruing a missed chance during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Hull City at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, on January 19, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

According to a pundit, Sunderland is contemplating signing a 24-year-old winger as a potential replacement for Jack Clarke, whose departure from the club seems imminent. Clarke has gained recognition for his performances in the Championship over the past couple of seasons, amassing impressive statistics of 24 goals and 16 assists in 80 appearances for the Black Cats since their promotion in 2022.

This remarkable form has garnered interest from several Premier League clubs, and it’s widely anticipated that Clarke will depart Wearside in the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, Sunderland’s chances of retaining him appear slim, especially given their current position after a streak of six consecutive defeats, effectively ruling out any hopes of securing promotion to the top flight.

In light of Clarke’s likely departure, Sunderland must now explore options for replacing their star player, ideally utilizing the substantial transfer fee they expect to receive, estimated to be over £20 million.

While specific rumors regarding Clarke’s replacement have been scarce, pundit Carlton Palmer has suggested that the Championship side could target Mikey Johnston, who is currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion from Celtic. Johnston’s loan spell at West Brom has been highly successful since his arrival during the January transfer window, earning praise for his performances.

“Yes, a lot of clubs will be taking note of the way that he’s playing, so you will be looking at clubs who will be looking at players moving on, Jack Clarke will be moving on, [Jon] Rowe will be moving on, and people will be looking at Mikey Johnston as a possible replacement.

“But he’s having a fabulous time at West Brom, and he’s enjoying his football there.

“But certainly, Norwich and Sunderland, and other prospective Championship clubs will be monitoring the situation given his outstanding form for West Bromwich Albion.

“With Sunderland’s policy of trying to buy young players, and get them in cheap, I don’t think Johnston will fall into that because I think Celtic will be looking at least £2m or £3m given his form in the Championship.

“So whether Sunderland have the money to pay that, Norwich do have the money to pay for Mikey Johnston, so we’ll have to see come the end of the season, but he’s certainly done great things at West Brom and [is] attracting a lot of attention.”