Jack Clarke insists he has no regrets about his move from Leeds United to Tottenham Hotspur back in 2019. Clarke burst onto the scene at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa, graduating from the club’s academy and making 22 appearances for the Whites during their 2018-19 Championship campaign.
His performances in a Leeds shirt caught the eye of Spurs, who made their move to sign the York-born winger while he was still only 18-years-old. Unfortunately, after a number of loan moves, Clarke failed to make the grade in north London and he left the club to pen a permanent deal with Sunderland this summer.
Clarke has signed a four-year contract with the Black Cats and he’ll be keen to establish himself and pick up some traction in his career at the Stadium of Light this season. The now 21-year-old wouldn’t change anything about his career path to date, though, insisting his move to Spurs provided valuable lessons.
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"It was a difficult one really,” Clarke told the Sunderland Echo. “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.
“I think with the players that are there at Tottenham and the management and everything else there, there’s always an opportunity to learn. I’d say the majority of learning is who you are on the training pitch and then in a game it’s just your time to show it.
“I feel like it still developed me as a player behind the scenes and now it’s a chance and an opportunity for me to show what I did learn and what sort of player I am.”
Clarke has caught the eye in the second tier with Sunderland this season, scoring twice in seven appearances to help Sunderland up to eighth in the table ahead of Monday night’s clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
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