Sunderland might now look to the ‘fantastic’ 24-year-old to replace Jack Clarke.
A commentator has stated that Sunderland ‘will be looking at’ signing a 24-year-old winger to replace Jack Clarke.
Jack Clarke, who has made a name for himself in the Championship over the previous two seasons, might leave Sunderland in the coming months.
Since winning promotion in 2022, the 23-year-old has scored 24 goals and provided 16 assists in 80 appearances for the Black Cats, and his impressive record has piqued the interest of many Premier League teams.
Despite having two years left on his contract, Clarke is widely anticipated to depart Wearside this summer, with his only chance of staying likely to be their own promotion to the top tier.
After six consecutive defeats, Sunderland will need to contemplate replacing their best player, ideally with the £20 million or more from his departure.
While there has been little speculation about Clarke’s replacement, analyst Carlton Palmer believes the Championship side will sign West Brom loanee Mikey Johnston.
Palmer told Football League World that Mikey Johnston, who joined West Brom on loan in January, has continued to impress. He’s having a great time since arriving from Celtic.
“Many teams may consider Mikey Johnston as a potential replacement for players like Jack Clarke and Jon Rowe, who are expected to leave.
“But he’s having a great time at West Brom and enjoys his football there.
“However, given his outstanding form for West Bromwich Albion, Norwich, Sunderland, and other potential Championship clubs will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on the situation.”
“With Sunderland’s aim of attempting to purchase young players cheaply, I don’t think Johnston will fall into that category since I believe Celtic will be seeking for at least £2 million or £3 million 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.”
Mikey Johnston has been at Celtic since 2008, but has had multiple injuries throughout his stint with the senior club.
After struggling to earn a regular position in the starting lineup, Johnston scored once and assisted four times while on loan with Vitoria Guimaraes last season.
He has had far better success at West Brom, scoring six goals and giving one assist in just nine appearances.
The Republic of Ireland international has been instrumental in the Baggies’ promotion campaign, and Celtic might cash in on his good form by selling him this summer.
If Johnston can maintain his form next season, he might be a valuable addition to Sunderland’s frontline.
Palmer worries if we can afford the attacker, but £3 million seems reasonable if we can make almost eight times that amount from Jack Clarke.
Of course, it would be difficult for anyone to fill Clarke’s shoes, but our current star guy wasn’t all that when he joined us, and look where he is now.
However, the Black Cats will undoubtedly have stiff competition, and he may prefer a permanent transfer to West Brom.
As long as we actively seek a successor for Jack Clarke, rather than simply putting Romaine Mundle onto the left side and hoping no one sees the difference.
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