It is now confirmed that the right-back will join on loan from the Tractor Boys until the end of the season, as first reported by journalist Mike McGrath.
The Blades have outbid their fierce local rivals for the deal; earlier this week, The Star reported that Danny Rohl was eager to include the former Arsenal player in his starting lineup.
Despite helping Ipswich get promoted to the Premier League the previous season, Clarke has lost ground to players like Ben Johnson and Ben Godfrey in the top division.
Harry Clarke transfer verdict issued by Sheffield United fan pundit
When asked about the signing of Clarke, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, revealed his delight at the move.
He believes a centre-back signing is still needed, but he’s happy to have beaten the Owls to the 23-year-old’s signature for the right-back.
“Harry Clarke looks like a very good signing for Sheffield United,” Jimmy told Football League World.
“We were in for Jonjoe Kenny on a permanent deal, so there is a little bit of disappointment that we couldn’t get a permanent right-back in this window.
But things won’t go as easily as you’d want during the January transfer window.
“Harry Clarke seems like a really good substitute.
It’s made more sweeter by the fact that our rivals have expressed interest in him.
“We still need a center-back as a top priority, and since Harry Clarke’s loan means we’ve used up all five loan [spaces], the center-back target must now be a long-term commitment if he is going to sign one.
It does somewhat alter our situation.
“Very happy with the signing, like what I’ve seen of Harry Clarke, and I think he can do a job for us.”
Harry Clarke could be somewhat of an Alfie Gilchrist upgrade for Sheffield United
Clarke will add some strength and depth to Sheffield United’s defensive options, but he could end up being an upgrade on Alfie Gilchrist.
There’s no doubt that the Chelsea loanee has talent and will have a bright future, but he is more of a defensive full-back than an attacking one, whereas Clarke does not mind bombing down the wing like he did with Ipswich last season at times.
Clarke’s arrival could also mean that Gilchrist could move into a centre-back role, potentially filling that void left by Souttar’s season-ending injury.
Clarke also has experience of competing for promotion to the Premier League, making him a valuable addition to the dressing room, so he has the potential to prove a very shrewd addition to Wilder’s squad for the second half of the campaign.
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