Leeds United are one of many clubs considering a move to sign one of The Championship’s best wingers this summer, but Chris Waddle thinks it could be a risky signing.
The Whites have waved goodbye to Crysencio Summerville and the Dutchman, among other players that have left Elland Road, needs replacing. The winger had a hand in 31 goals for Daniel Farke’s side last term.
Plenty of wingers have been linked with Leeds since Summerville’s exit. Jonathan Rowe of Norwich City is about to join Marseille for a fee of £17m, while Burnley’s Manuel Benson is also a target for The Whites.
But the one winger Leeds have been linked with signing most is Sunderland’s Jack Clarke. The 23-year-old is widely considered as one of the best wingers in the Championship, starring on the left for Sunderland.
Leeds eye Jack Clarke but Waddle thinks £20m move is risky
Clarke of course, broke through at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa. He had a hand in four goals in Bielsa’s first season at Leeds, playing 25 times and it earned him a £10m move to Tottenham in the summer of 2019.
But he flopped at Spurs, struggling on loan at Stoke and QPR and eventually ending up at Sunderland in League One. However, he rejuvenated his career there and has since had a hand in 51 goals in 114 games.
With Summerville gone, Leeds are keen on a move to bring Clarke back to Elland Road. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that a move would cost £20m, though Clarke is believed to be keen on a return.
However, Waddle told FLW that £20m for Clarke is risky: “The question mark is if he is a Premier League footballer. Tottenham saw potential, which is showing. There’s a lot of talk Sunderland are holding out.
“A lot of people may think he’s a risk at £20m. That’s what he’d be bought for, but it’s still a big question mark. He is talented, good in the Championship. The Premier League is a completely different league.”
Leeds could do a lot worse than sign Clarke in next few days
The 49ers have frustrated Leeds fans. Selling the club’s best assets without replacing them until the final few days of the window has fans concerned, worried and of the opinion that promotion is unlikely.
Certainly, with this squad, top six feels impossible. Leeds need new signings but even then, with fans down, The 49ers need to make a marquee signing if they are to get supporters back on side this month.
Clarke is exactly that. Behind Summerville, he was probably the division’s best left-sided winger and of course, he has that Elland Road connection. Even if he cost £20m, he would be a brilliant signing.
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