Tottenham signed Jack Clarke from Leeds United back in 2019, but never managed to really get going for the Lilywhites. In total, he made just four first-team appearances for Spurs over the years (Transfermarkt), with the majority of his time spent out on loan.

Loan spells at QPR and Stoke were followed by a successful stint with Sunderland. That move became permanent last summer, in a deal believed to be worth up to £10m (Alasdair Gold).

Since then, Clarke has gone from strength to strength, scoring goals for fun and looking like one of the best players in the Championship over the last two seasons.

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Spurs may have a 50% sell-on clause for Clarke

Naturally, that kind of form is going to attract attention, and Sunderland are now thought to be fighting off interest from the likes of Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Burnley for their star man.

That’s according to a report from TeamTalk, who claim a number of Premier League clubs are keen to swoop for Clarke. It is believed Sunderland value the 22-year-old at “around the £20m mark,” and that could be great news for Spurs.

Apparently, there is a clause in the original deal to sell Clarke that guarantees Tottenham a sell-on percentage.

While the “cut of a future sale has not been disclosed,” the report suggests it could be “as high as 50%,” which would significantly offset the investment the North London club originally made in the youngster.

Spurs Web Opinion

It’s great to see Jack Clarke thriving at Sunderland and it’s surely only a matter of time before he is back in the Premier League, either with or without the Black Cats.

It will be interesting to see whether they can hold on to him in January, but any club that snaps him up will be getting a top talent.

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Clarke was seen as one of the most promising young talents in the EFL when Tottenham shelled out £10m to sign him from Leeds United in 2019.

The winger never managed to fulfil his potential during the three years he spent in North London and he also underwhelmed during his loan spells at Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers.

However, the 22-year-old has thrived since sealing a permanent move to Sunderland last summer, with his nine goals and 11 assists in the Championship last season playing a key role in catapulting the Black Cats to the play-off spots.

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Jack Clarke is on fire in the Championship this year

Sunderland were unable to make it back-to-back promotions as they fell to a 3-1 loss on aggregate to Luton Town in the semifinal but they look like they could compete for the playoff spots once again this campaign.

They currently sit fourth in the table with 16 points from the first nine league games, with Clarke having found the back of the net seven times so far, two more than any other player in the division.

Watch the former Tottenham man’s brace vs Sheffield Wednesday below:

Spurs Web Opinion

Clarke was evidently struggling for confidence at Tottenham and he did not really have managers who were willing to put their arms around his shoulders, with Pochettino departing just months after his arrival. The winger has demonstrated over the last 12 months just why Spurs paid £10m for him when he was just 18 years of age.

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After joining Spurs, Donley has impressed in every age group squad, and in November 2020, he was given the chance to make his U18 debut. From then on, there was no looking back for Donley. Although he made his debut in the 2020/21 season, this was not his breakout year.

The season after making his debut, Donley became a regular starter, and he made sure his place in the squad was secure.

He went on to have a stellar season and ended up in the top five goalscorers in the league with 18 goals to boot. Not only did he bring goals to the table, but he was an excellent provider and picked up six assists in the league (Transfermarkt). 

LEYLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: Jamie Donley of Tottenham Hotspur smiles as they warm up prior to the Premier League 2 match between Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur at Leyland County Ground on April 15, 2023 in Leyland, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

You would expect him to keep his rich vein of form in the next season; however, it was somewhat disrupted. Donley had to share his time between the U18s and the U21s due to injuries. The lack of depth in the U21 squad meant he had to start for them when he should have been starting for the U18s.

This constant switching between the two squads brought irregularity for him, in the U18s, he was superb, picking up nine goal contributions in six games (Transfermarkt). However, his return in the U21s was not as impressive, with just five G/A in 21 games. 

The academy set-up was becoming distorted, and under Antonio Conte, there was also a lack of cohesion between the U21s and the starting XI, with very few academy players in the cup squads.

Not only this, Alfie Devine spent the whole season travelling with the first team, yet he only played one minute in the whole season. This is just one example of the poor relationship between the academy and Conte’s squads.

The disappointment for the academy didn’t stop there. The U21s faced the risk of relegation going into the last game of the season. Although the U21s won their match, results elsewhere meant they were relegated. This, however, was not the case, as a rule change in the PL2 meant they would not face relegation and instead would be part of a newly formatted league.

Jamie Donley is a gem of the Tottenham academy

Not many expected much of Spurs in the PL2 this year after last season. This didn’t dishearten the young stars, and they started the season off with four consecutive wins, including a 5-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City.

At the forefront of this spectacular form is Donley. He has led the attack for Spurs and has created a superb partnership with Yago Santiago and Jude Soonsup-Bell. These three have been so influential in Spurs’ form and output in the opening games. Although Donley sits in front of Santiago and Soonsup-Bell.

In the opening game against Man City Donley was flawless, and he picked up two assists. One of which came from his relentless pressure and pressing, something that has become a regular in his game.

He carried this momentum into the next game, against Newcastle. In this game, Donley was once again a magician. After being played down the line, he put in a perfect low-swinging cross to Soonsup-Bell, who tapped it past the keeper. A move that was orchestrated by Donley’s playmaking ability.

Donley didn’t show any signs of slowing down, and in the next week, he would once again be as influential as ever against Derby. After a ball trickled away in the distance, Donley tracked it down and dove into a tackle, winning the ball and starting the Spurs attack.

He then re-positioned himself and received the ball without looking at the goal. Donley powered a ball into the box, which landed perfectly for Soonsup-Bell, who didn’t even have to change his run. This was an outrageous pass that most Premier League stickers wouldn’t dare to try.

Half an hour later, Donley would once again demonstrate his immense passing ability. After a ball rolled away from the goal area, Donely chased it and turned to put it back towards the back post.

He did this without looking at the area, and yet it still found Soonsup-Bell perfectly at the back post. Donley was ominous against Derby and proved he is truly a multi-faceted striker who can be a dynamo or a devastating poacher.

STEVENAGE, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: Jamie Donley of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League 2 match between Tottenham Hotspur U21 v Manchester City U21 at The Lamex Stadium on April 03, 2023 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

In Spurs’ most recent fixture against Sunderland in the cup, Nile John was tripped in the box just 20 minutes in. The referee had no choice but to point to the penalty spot and up-step Donley.

With total composure, he fired it into the bottom right corner, giving Spurs the lead. Spurs went on to win the game in the dying seconds after a stunning Harvey White freekick.

Donley has thrived so far this season and will no doubt continue to dominate the league with the rest of the highly talented Spurs U21 side. Hopefully, we will see Donley make his 1XI debut this season; however, now that Spurs are out of the Carabao Cup, this narrows the fixtures he could do this in.

It’s most likely he will have to wait until the FA Cup fixtures or if there is an injury to one of the Spurs frontline players.

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Cirkin decided to swap the North London club for Sunderland in the summer of 2021 in search of regular first-team opportunities and the left-back has come on leaps and bounds since then.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old’s displays will not come as a surprise for those at Tottenham as he was quite highly thought of while coming through the ranks at Hotspur Way.

That is why the Lilywhites decided to insert a £6m buy-back clause when they sold the youngster to the Black Cats (The Sun).

Tottenham still have a buy-back clause for Cirkin

The Sunderland Echo have now explained that Tottenham’s buy-back clause is still valid despite Cirkin signing a new deal and that the clause can be activated by the Premier League side until 30 June 2024. 

However, the publication explains that Spurs did not consider re-signing the left-back from the North East last January and the move was never high on the agenda of decision-makers at the club this summer either.

It is alleged that even if Tottenham had decided to activate the clause, Cirkin would have had to agree to return to his former club.

Spurs Web Opinion

Cirkin has made the right decision to remain at Sunderland and continue his development.

Should the left-back continue in the same vein, there is no doubt that he would have suitors from the Premier League next summer.

So, the buy-back clause could yet come in handy for the Lilywhites.

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Jack Clarke‘s nine goals and 11 assists in the Championship played a key role in catapulting Sunderland to the play-off spots but the Black Cats were unable to make it back-to-back promotions as they fell to a 3-1 loss on aggregate to Luton Town in the semifinal.

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It has now emerged that the 21-year-old, who sealed a permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur to the Stadium of Light 12 months ago, could now be set for a swift return to the Premier League.

Romano has revealed that newly promoted Burnley, as well as Brentford and Crystal Palace, have already submitted offers to sign the former Spurs winger.

However, the journalist adds that the Black Cats are keen to hang on to Clarke and have already begun discussions with the player regarding a new contract.

Burnley, Brentford and Crystal Palace have all submitted bids for Sunderland talent Jack Clarke. #SAFC

Understand Sunderland are currently negotiating a new deal for Clarke as he’s considered ‘vital’ for the club to get promoted. pic.twitter.com/JUTcSWrEEt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

It would be ideal for Clarke’s development to remain at Sunderland for one more season and get regular game time under his belt.

He still has age on his side and there is no doubt that he will have opportunities to move to the top flight next summer.

The last thing he needs is to make a step up too early (like he did when he joined Spurs from Leeds) and spend next season warming the bench, which will slow down his development and dent his confidence.

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Dennis Cirkin has thrived since his switch to the Stadium of Light in 2021, playing a key role in Sunderland‘s’ promotion to the Championship last season.

Image: @snapshotspurs

However, his dreams of playing in the Premier League next season were squashed as the Black Cats were unable to overcome Luton Town in the playoff semifinal.

Sunderland Echo now explain that there is still a chance that Crikin might play Premier League football as Tottenham have the option to buy the defender back for £6m, which is valid until June 30, 2024.

However, it is explained that despite suggestions to the contrary by other outlets, the North London club did not show interest in activating the clause during the January transfer window and have no plans on bringing their youth product back to the club this summer.

The report also states that should Spurs not take up this buy-back option and the player moves elsewhere for a fee, they would be entitled to a percentage of profit on any subsequent sale.

Spurs Web Opinion

Staying at Sunderland for at least one more season and getting regular football under his belt would be ideal for Cirkin’s development.

Spurs could perhaps consider activating the defender’s buy-back clause in January or next summer if the 21-year-old continues his impressive upward trajectory in the North East.

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It is fair to say that not a lot of Spurs fans were disappointed when Clarke left the club last summer to join Sunderland as the winger had failed to live up to his potential during his three years at the North London club (including during his loan spells).

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However, the 22-year-old has demonstrated at the Stadium of Light this season just why he was so highly thought of as a youngster, having notched up 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

It was thanks to Clarke’s displays that Sunderland clinched the final playoff spot and the former Spurs man now has the chance to fire the Black Cats into the top flight just a year on from the club’s promotion to the Championship.

In fact, reports indicate that the England Under-20 international’s displays this season have caught the attention of some Premier League clubs, with Brentford and Crystal Palace expected to battle it for his signature this summer (The Sun).

When asked to about his time at Tottenham, Clarke has now told the  Sunderland Echo: “I only really think about where I’m playing my football at the minute.

“Tottenham is not really in my mind anymore, to be honest. I went there, I tried it and it obviously didn’t work out for whatever reason. Now I’m fully focused on being here.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Clarke’s rise is a cautionary tale on why young players have to be given a long rope before you judge them as they need time to build their confidence. 

The likes of Dane Scarlett and Troy Parrott might also struggle to make an impression on their loan spells for a year or two but if Spurs really believe in their talent, they would have to persist with them, just as they did with Kane during his younger days.

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Cirkin was thought of very highly while coming through the ranks of the Spurs academy and he deiced to swap the North London club for Sunderland in the summer of 2021 in search of regular first-team opportunities. 

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Not only did the left-back play a crucial role in helping the Black Cats win promotion to the Championship last season but he has also been one of the club’s most consistent performers in the English second tier so far this campaign.

Some reports suggested last year that Tottenham could activate the £6m buy-back clause to bring the defender back to the club (The Sun).

Reporting in January, The Sunderland Echo revealed that the clause could be activated until 2024 but added that Spurs do not have any plans to do so at the moment.

However, the North London club could soon change their mind if Cirkin keeps delivering the kind of performances he did at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

The 21-year-old scored twice in the second half to help Sunderland come from behind to win 2-1, a result which sees Tony Mowbray’s side move into the playoff spots.

Watch the highlights of the game below:

Spurs Web Opinion

Cirkin, in many respects, would have been ideal for Antonio Conte’s set up as I see left centre-back in a back three as his best position.

Having said that, the 21-year-old might have not got any opportunities had he stayed as the Italian is certainly not known to trust young, inexperienced players.

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Clarke signed for Spurs from Leeds United back in the summer of 2019, but made just four first-team appearances for the Lilywhites before moving on (Transfermarkt).

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During his time as a Spurs-owned player, Clarke had loan spells back at Leeds, with QPR and Stoke City.

The winger spent the second half of last season on loan with Sunderland, before making that move permanent in the summer.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Black Cats this term, with ten goals and nine assists to his name in 43 appearances (Transfermarkt).

Clarke has helped propel Sunderland into the top ten of the Championship as things stand.

How long he stays with the club remains to be seen, however, as it has emerged that Crystal Palace have been impressed with his efforts this year.

According to a report from The Sun, the London side are keen to bring Clarke back to the Premier League in the summer.

It is thought the young attacker would be a replacement for Palace star Wilfried Zaha, should the latter decide to leave the club.

30-year-old Zaha’s current contract expires in the summer, and the report claims there are no signs of him putting pen to paper on a new deal.

If Zaha does move on, Palace have been watching Clarke’s “dazzling form” and see him as the ideal signing to fill the gap.

Spurs Web Opinion

Things never worked out for Clarke at Spurs, and there’s no way of knowing if they ever would have, even if he was given more minutes.

It’s great to see him smashing it in the Championship, and a side like Palace would be a good fit for him if he decided to make the step up to the top flight.

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Clarke failed to live up to expectations after his £10m move to Spurs from Leeds in 2019 (The Sun) but the youngster showed glimpses of his quality during his last two loan spells at Stoke City and Sunderland.

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

The winger played a valued part in helping the Black Cats win promotion back to the Championship last season, and it did not come as a surprise when the club signed the 22-year-old permanently in the summer, with the fee potentially rising to £10m including add-ons (Alasdair Gold).

It is fair to say that not many Spurs fans were particularly disappointed when the winger was sold but the youngster has demonstrated this season just why he was so highly thought of when coming through the ranks at Elland Road.

Clarke put in one of his best performances of the season on Saturday as he assisted Sunderland’s’ first two goals and won a penalty for his side’s third goal before finding the back of the net himself for Tony Mowbray’s men.

The goal and two assists against Hull took the former Spurs man’s tally to 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions so far this campaign (Transfermarkt).

Watch the highlights of Sunderland’s 4-4 draw with the Tigers below:

Spurs Web Opinion

This once again shows the difference confidence can make to players, particularly to younger ones. 

Clarke was clearly lacking in confidence at Spurs, which is why he struggled to play his natural game when he got first-team opportunities.

If the 22-year-old keeps carrying on in the same vein, it will not be too long before we see him back in the Premier League.

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Clarke failed to live up to expectations after his £10m move to Spurs from Leeds in 2019 (The Sun) but the youngster showed glimpses of his quality during his last two loan spells at Stoke City and Sunderland.

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

The winger played a valued part in helping the Black Cats win promotion back to the Championship last season, and it did not come as a surprise when the club signed the 22-year-old permanently in the summer, with the fee potentially rising to £10m including add-ons (Alasdair Gold).

It is fair to say that not many Spurs fans were particularly disappointed when the winger was sold but the youngster has demonstrated this season just why he was so highly thought of when coming through the ranks at Elland Road.

Clarke netted a brace for the Black Cats in their 3-0 win away at Queens Park Rangers earlier this week, taking his tally to eight goals and seven assists across all competitions so far this campaign (Transfermarkt).

Watch his two goals at Loftus Road below:

Spurs Web Opinion 

While this is far from confirmation that Clarke is good enough for the Premier League level, this once again proves that one cannot judge players (particularly youngsters) unless they get a run of starts under their belt to build their confidence. 

I would not be surprised if a couple of Premier League clubs come calling for the 22-year-old within a year or two if he keeps progressing the way he has in the North East.

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Cirkin was thought of very highly while coming through the ranks of the Spurs academy and he deiced to swap the North London club for Sunderland 18 months ago in search of regular first-team opportunities. 

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

The 20-year-old’s decision has proven to be the right one as he helped the Black Cats to win promotion to the Championship last season and has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in the English second tier so far this campaign.

Some reports back in October suggested that Spurs could activate the £6m buy-back clause to bring the defender back to the club (The Sun).

The Sunderland Echo have now revealed that Tottenham could activate the clause until the summer of 2024 but they state that the Lilywhites are not considering doing so at the moment.

The report adds that even if Spurs activate the clause, the player himself would have to agree to the deal, which he might not, given how well he is developing at the Stadium of Light.

However, the publication explains that should another Premier League club come in with a big-money bid for Cirkin, Tottenham could decide to buy him back and sell him on for a profit.

Spurs Web Opinion

Cirkin would have been a natural fit at left centre-back in Conte’s system but the Italian is not a manager who is willing to trust unproven, young players. So, it is unlikely that he would have gotten many opportunities had he stayed at Spurs.

If the 20-year-old keeps developing at the pace he has been over the past 12 months, it will not be long before we see him in the Premier League.

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Clarke, who was 18 at the time, joined Tottenham in the summer of 2019 for an initial £8.5million transfer fee and was immediately sent back on loan to Leeds United for the 2019/20 campaign, with the Elland Road outfit still being in the Championship at the time.

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

He became Spurs’ first signing in 517 days since Lucas Moura joined from PSG after the club somewhat famously decided not to sign any fresh faces in two transfer windows, a decision which backfired in the progression of their fortunes under Mauricio Pochettino.

Clarke’s return to Leeds proved to be a step backwards and also struggled during a later stint at QPR later in the campaign but the winger did show some promise during his loan spell at Stoke City in the second half of the following season.

The winger ended up joining Sunderland initially on loan and completed a permanent switch to the Black Cats in the summer after they secured their return to the Championship having made just four appearances in all competitions for Spurs (The Athletic).

Clarke has claimed that he does not consider his time at Tottenham to be unsuccessful and instead insisted he has learned from the coaches he worked under to help progress his game.

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Cirkin has come on leaps and bounds since departing Spurs to join Sunderland in the summer of 2021, with the youngster playing a key role in helping the club win promotion to the Championship last season.

Although the 20-year-old has missed a few matches with a hamstring injury this season, he has come back into the team over recent weeks and has looked solid. 

Cirkin netted his first goal for Sunderland last weekend while also providing an assist as Tony Mowbray’s men ran out 2-1 winners over Wigan. 

Spurs are thought to have inserted a buy-back option of £6m when they sold the defender to the Black Cats (Sunderland Echo), and it was reported earlier this month that the Lilywhites were contemplating bringing the player back to the club (The Sun).

It then emerged a couple of days ago that Brentford were set to challenge Tottenham in their pursuit of the England Under-20 international (The Sun).

However, Cirkin has now insisted that he is not paying any attention to the speculation over his future and remains focused on doing well for Sunderland.

When asked about the reports linking him with a return to Spurs, the left-back told Sunderland Echo: “I haven’t heard about any of these rumours, I’ve tried to stay away from it. I just try and play for Sunderland and I’m just trying to get back in the team here and that’s my main goal.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The buy-back clause certainly gives Tottenham a massive advantage over other suitors in the race for Cirkin’s signature. However, it remains to be seen if the 20-year-old will be open to returning to Spurs at this stage of his career, particularly given that he has now had a taste of first-team football.

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Cirkin came through the ranks of the Tottenham academy and the left-back was highly rated at the club, having been a key member of the club’s Under-18s and Under-21s set-up.

The Irishman left the North London club to join Sunderland in the summer of 2021, and he played a key role in helping the Black Cats win promotion to the Championship last season.

It was reported when the 20-year-old left Tottenham that the North London club had inserted a buy-back option of £6m in the deal (Sunderland Echo).

The Sun then reported earlier this month that the youngster had caught Tottenham’s eye with his performances for Sunderland and that Antonio Conte’s men were contemplating bringing the player back to the club.

The same publication have now offered an update on Cirkin’s future, explaining that Brentford also have an eye on the left-back.

It is explained that the Bees see the Sunderland man as a potential replacement for Rico Henry if he leaves the Brentford Community Stadium.

The report adds that Cirkin could thus have a decision to make in January between joining Thomas Frank’s side and returning to his former club.

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect the Tottenham hierarchy see Cirkin as a perfect fit for the left centre-back role in Conte’s system, which is why they are tempted to activate the buy-back clause.

However, perhaps the 20-year-old will feel that he has a better chance of getting regular minutes under his belt at the Brentford Community Stadium than he does at Spurs.

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Cirkin came through the ranks of the Tottenham academy and although he never went on to make a first-team appearance, the left-back was highly rated at the club and was a key member of the club’s Under-18s and Under-21s set-up.

The Irishman left the North London club to join Sunderland in the summer of 2021, and he played a key role in helping the Black Cats win promotion to the Championship last season.

Cirkin has impressed in the Championship for Tony Mowbray’s side so far this season, and The Sun reported on Saturday that the youngster had caught Tottenham’s eye.

However, John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about Tottenham’s youth teams on his social media platform, Lilywhite Rose, remarked back in August 2021 that the buy-back option is worth £6m.

He told Sunderland Echo at the time: “From sources close to the payer (Cirkin), I am told that Spurs have a buyback option of £6m which is valid until 30 June 2024.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Cirkin was very highly thought of at Tottenham and it does not surprise me that the club inserted a buy-back clause while selling him to Sunderland.

I also think that the 20-year-old would be a very good fit for Conte’s system at left centre-back, which might be why the Lilywhites are now considering buying him back.

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The 20-year-old left north London to join Sunderland last summer for an undisclosed fee and helped the Black Cats to secure promotion to the Championship (Chronicle Live).

Cirkin signed his first professional contract with Tottenham in 2019 and received praise from former manager Jose Mourinho, who promoted him to train with the club’s first-team (Football.London).

The report claims that Tottenham will continue to watch the defender in the build up to the January transfer window and could even look to bring him back to the club, only to sell him on to a rival.

Cirkin was on the bench in Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat at Swansea City yesterday having only just recovered from a thigh injury that kept him sidelined for the previous four matches (transfermarkt).

SpursWeb Opinion

Cirkin had many admirers at Tottenham but would face a tough battle for regular first-team football given the presence of Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic, with further competition arriving next summer in the form of Destiny Udogie from Udinese.

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Clarke failed to live up to expectations after his £10m move to Spurs from Leeds in 2019 (The Sun) but the youngster showed glimpses of his quality during his last two loan spells at Stoke City and Sunderland.

The winger played a valued part in helping the Black Cats win promotion back to the Championship last season, and it did not come as a surprise when the club signed the 21-year-old permanently in the summer.

According to Alasdair Gold, although the initial fee that Sunderland paid for the former Leeds man was modest, the price could potentially rise to £10m if the future add-ons are met.

Clarke has made a terrific start to the new season, having notched up seven goal contributions in 10 Championship games so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Mowbray has now said that while the former Spurs man still needs to work on facets of his game, his ability with the ball at his feet is not in any doubt.

The Black Cats boss told The Sunderland Echo: “Young players, it’s more off the cuff and Jack falls into that category. What a wonderful talent he is.

“The first half at Reading for example he frustrated me a bit, he couldn’t get on the ball as much as he’d have liked, and he doesn’t really have those double movements yet, to run away and come back to buy some space, to come short and then spin away when the defender comes tight, these are all the things he has to work on.

“What nobody can deny is the talent he has when the ball is at his feet, how fast his feet are and how wonderful a talent he is. And he’s a joy to work with because he’s a wonderfully happy-go-lucky kid.

“There’s times I’d like him to be a bit more serious but that’s because he really is a diamond of a lad, we all love him.

“Jack was proposed to us a lot at Blackburn Rovers for a loan but we never took it up, because I’d seen him play against us for the U23s and he hardly had a kick, I just felt he’d lost his way, you’re obviously a talent if you move for the kind of fee he did.

“It’s just about finding the answers and giving him that confidence, showing him that love.

“You have to have that understanding that from time to time you might bring him off because he’s just having one of those days, but you never push him to the back of the queue because he can win you football matches.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It certainly did not help Clarke’s cause that the manager who signed him, Mauricio Pochettino, was sacked just a few months after the youngster’s arrival at Spurs. 

The 21-year-old did not show enough in North London to suggest that he is a future first-team prospect but I am pleased to see him starting to fulfil his potential at Sunderland.

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The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Sunderland in League One, scoring one goal and providing 4 assists in 20 appearances (Transfermarkt) as the Black Cats achieved promotion to English football’s second tier through the play-offs.

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the young winger had joined Sunderland on a permanent basis this summer. According to Alasdair Gold, Spurs will receive a ‘low’ initial fee, but add-ons could see the deal rise to as high as £10 million.

Spurs had originally signed Clarke from Leeds United in the summer of 2019 for a fee reported to be around £10 million (The Sun).

Things never quite worked out for Clarke in North London, and despite early promise, he only made four first-team appearances for Spurs (Transfermarkt). He had loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City, before finding his feet at Sunderland.

Since the move up North, Clarke told the Sunderland Echo that his time at Tottenham “never really materialised in the way [he] wanted it to,” but insisted he “tried [his] best.”

The transfer to Sunderland has proven to be far more successful though, and Clarke is putting in some impressive displays in the Championship. In nine appearances this season, he already has three goals and three assists (Transfermarkt).

It seems the youngster is adapting to life in the Championship pretty quickly this time around, and already has more goal involvements this campaign than in the entirety of the previous year.

WOW!! How about this for a team goal. Superb football from Sunderland. pic.twitter.com/v6rxJNF9Uw

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 14, 2022

Spurs Web Opinion

Was Jack Clarke ever given a fair chance at Tottenham Hotspur? Maybe not. He arrived at the club with so much talent, but as happens with many young players joining big clubs, the path to the first team is never a simple one.

Had he been more impressive in his first two loan spells, then maybe things would have been different. Still, I don’t think we can look at this run of form in the Championship and rue letting Clarke go.

It’s an entirely different level of football, and while it’s great to see him doing well, it’s hardly indicative of Spurs losing a player who could have made an impact at the top level.

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The young winger admitted he endured a difficult time of it in North London, and although the move didn’t work out the way he had hoped, he would not have done anything differently had he been given the chance.

Clarke joined Tottenham from Leeds United back in 2019 for a reported £10m fee (The Sun), yet he only ever made four appearances for the senior side, amassing just 95 minutes in total (TransferMarkt).

Journalist Michael Bridge reported in the summer that Clarke had attracted interest from as many as eight clubs, but he eventually decided on a move to Sunderland after spending a period on loan there last season.

However, the youngster has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2022/23 campaign, scoring twice and assisting three in seven Championship games (TransferMarkt).

He told The Sunderland Echo: “It was a difficult one really. Looking back on it it never really materialised in the way I wanted it to or into anything, but I wouldn’t say I’d do anything differently.

“I still took the opportunity, I tried my best when I was there and obviously it wasn’t meant to be. I’m glad I made the switch when I did and I’m enjoying being here now. Now it’s an opportunity for me to show what I did learn.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Clarke always seemed like a strange signing at the time, for quite a high fee when you consider he was a youth player who essentially slotted into Tottenham’s U21 side. However, we wish him well for the future and he seemingly has a bright Championship campaign ahead of him.

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