Since leaving Sunderland last summer, Jack Clarke has struggled at Ipswich, but he may have turned a corner thanks to his first√ goal for the club.
Sunderland fans were gutted to see their star player leave at the end of last season, though it was clear Jack Clarke was destined for the top flight one way or another.
However, Ipswich fans have not taken to Clarke, regularly criticising the winger after a string of disappointing performances.
This led to speculation Clarke could end up back at Sunderland in the January transfer window, and there is still a lingering hope that this could happen despite the 24-year-old finally netting his first goal for the Tractor Boys.
Jack Clarke of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Ipswich Town FC at Emirates Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Lon…J
ack Clarke’s muted celebration hints at deeper lying unhappiness at Ipswich
Clarke was handed a rare start for Ipswich in the FA Cup clash against Bristol Rovers on Sunday, and not only got on the scoresheet, but also bagged the highest rating (8.1 out of 10) of any player on the pitch as per SofaScore.
The winger also nabbed an assist, as well as completing 39 of his 45 passes throughout the 90 minutes, and completing both of his dribbles, too.
Statistics Jack Clarke vs Bristol Rovers
Minutes played 90
Goals 1
Assists 1
Pass success 87%
Dribble success 100%
Touches 61
Overall, it was a brilliant performance from the former Sunderland man, but Clarke’s demeanour tells a different story. You’d think scoring your first goal for your club would be a big moment, but as Clarke picked himself up after sliding the ball into the net, there was no celebration, and not even a smile on his face.
This could be down to the fact he wasn’t entirely enthused about scoring against League One opposition in the cup, or it could spell underlying issues for Clarke’s Ipswich career as a whole.
Jaden Philogene signing could spell the end for Jack Clarke at Ipswich
We recently learned that Clarke would not be going on loan this month, and surely the fact he is now off the mark is a real sign of encouragement for those at Ipswich who are thought to like the player.
However, the recent acquisition of Jaden Philogene by Ipswich has done nothing to quash rumours that Clarke’s position at the club could be at risk.
Clarke will now have to fight harder than ever for his place, and may find game time limited as the season rolls on. But, if anything, perhaps a summer exit is more likely than Clarke and Ipswich cutting ties so soon.
And, of course, there is no guarantee that Sunderland would be his destination if he were to go on loan anyway. Sunderland fans want a new striker, first and foremost, and with Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle on their way back from injury, a new winger is not exactly a priority for the Black Cats.
Still, if the chance were to be presented to Sunderland, surely the idea of having such an influential figure back at the club would be too hard to resist.
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