Jack Clarke’s departure from Sunderland has finally been confirmed – two years and seven months since he first arrived on Wearside.
The winger made little impact in his initial loan spell with Sunderland, scoring once and failing to even start in the League One play-off final.
However, the club took a chance on him and he went onto score 28 goals and provide 23 assists over the last two seasons.
After months of speculation around his future, Clarke completed his move to Ipswich Town yesterday.
Kristjaan Speakman hailed the 23-year-old as an ‘incredibly gifted player’ who had a ‘desire to play in the Premier League’, to which Sunderland weren’t going to stand in his way.
Fans have been left heartbroken by his exit, while it appears it was far from easy for Clarke too.
The forward took to Instagram to send a message to fans and was keen to show his love for the club.
Clarke thanks Sunderland team, staff and fans
He wrote: “Where to begin. This club has been my home for the past three seasons and I have loved every minute of representing the club and the people who live and breathe Sunderland AFC. I couldn’t have asked or dreamt of a better place to play my football. To all my teammates I shared my experience with, to the staff who took care of me everyday and lastly to the fans who treat me as good as one of your own from the minute I arrived, I want to thank you all. You truly all make the club special. I wish you all the best. Until we meet again. JC.”
Clarke was instantly flooded with messages from fans and his former teammates.
Jobe wrote: “All the best brotha.”
Dan Neil wrote: “All the best mate.”
Patrick Roberts wrote: “Go well partner. You will be a big miss everyday.” To which Clarke replied with: “Goodbye my brother been a pleasure.”
Trai Hume wrote: “All the best fella.”
Romaine Mundle wrote: “Goodbye again.”
Jay Matete wrote: “Good luck bro.”
Lynden Gooch wrote: “All the best.”
Clarke could make his Ipswich debut in their Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon midweek, before getting his Premier League wish against Fulham next weekend.
The Black Cats can win promotion without him
Clarke leaves Sunderland as one of their best players from this era and undoubtedly cannot be replaced.
However, the performance and three points against Burnley yesterday proves that the club can do it without him.
Mundle looked very impressive – albeit a bit raw – as he got off the mark with a Clarke-like goal.
The 21-year-old shows real glimpses of promise but needs plenty of improvement – much like Clarke when he first arrived in 2022.
The team certainly didn’t seem short on confidence without the attacker in the side, while they still have Wilson Isidor to come in and potentially compete with Mundle on the left too.
Things have been going very well on the pitch so far this season and the win over Burnley has certainly risen the spirits on Wearside despite losing a key play4er.