“An ideal replacement” – Sunderland have found Jack Clarke replacement

| January 23, 2024 | Sunderland, Uncategorized | No Comments

“An ideal replacement” – EFL pundit greenlights Sunderland’s Jack Clarke succession plan

Preston North End loanee Liam Millar has reportedly emerged on Sunderland’s transfer radar.

HIGHLIGHTS

  •  Preston North End loanee Liam Millar could be a good replacement for Jack Clarke at Sunderland.
  •  Millar has impressed at Deepdale, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 23 appearances.
  •  Sunderland are bracing themselves for Clarke’s eventual departure and believe Millar would be an ideal replacement.

Liam Millar, a Preston North End loanee, might be “an ideal replacement” for Jack Clarke at Sunderland, according to EFL analyst Carlton Palmer.

Journalist Alan Nixon claims that in the midst of rumors regarding the winger’s future, the Black Cats have selected Millar as a possible replacement for Clarke.

 

After spending time on loan at Kilmarnock and Charlton Athletic, Millar, who came through the Liverpool youth, moved permanently to Basel in 2021. However, this summer, he made a brief return to England by joining the Lilywhites.

 

The Canada international has made an impression at Deepdale, making 23

appearances across all competitions and dishing out five assists while scoring

three goals. However, North End will not be able to sign him long-term in the

summer, and the Black Cats are now keeping an eye on him.

According to Nixon, Sunderland is “more likely to leave it until the end of the season unless a big offer comes for Clarke,” but they “could move for Millar in this window.”

 

After a spectacular season at the Stadium of Light, where he has scored 13 goals and provided two assists in 30 appearances so far this season, Clarke is drawing a lot of transfer attention this month.

Clarke has been linked to a number of teams, including Burnley, West Ham

United, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Bournemouth,

Leicester City, Southampton, and Brentford. However, the Black Cats are

demanding around £18 million for Clarke’s services, which could prove to

be a roadblock for his suitors as they aim for promotion.

 

Sunderland has had a difficult few weeks, and with Friday night’s 1-0 home loss to Hull City, head coach Michael

Beale is already feeling more and more pressure. Despite this, Sunderland

remains in 10th place in the standings, just three points out of the play-off spots.

Championship Table (As it stands January 22nd)
Team P GD Pts
9 Watford 28 7 40
10 Sunderland 28 6 40
11 Middlesbrough 28 1 40
12 Preston North End 28 -12 38
13 Bristol City 28 0 37
14 Cardiff City 28 -4 37
15 Plymouth Argyle 28 0 33
16 Swansea City 28 -6 33

Palmer: Liam Millar could be the perfect Jack Clarke replacement

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said that Clarke’s departure is inevitable in the not-too-

distant future, and he believes Millar would be an excellent replacement.

“Amid all the speculation linking Jack Clarke with a move away from the club in

January or the summer, Sunderland are reported to be taking an interest in

Preston North End’s winger Liam Millar,” Palmer said.

“Liam, who is on loan at Preston North End from Basel with no option of a

permanent move, is having a terrific season and is attracting a lot of attention from tje Championship.

“Liam has already finished the season with three goals and four assists. Although Preston supporters would prefer to see him sign a long-term contract, their finances might be an issue.

 

Given Basel’s financial difficulties, a sizable offer from Sunderland would likely persuade Basel to sell.

 

“Sunderland is preparing for the possibility that Jack Clarke will be traded, not if, and if so, they will move quickly to get Millar.

 

“Given his current form, he would be an ideal replacement and would hit the ground running.”

Liam Millar would be a shrewd addition for Sunderland

While it would be a huge blow for Sunderland to lose Clarke, Millar would be an exciting replacement.

Millar’s stats for Preston this season are impressive considering he has mainly played in a left-wing back role, and he would likely be even more of a threat if deployed in a more advanced position.

The 24-year-old is a player with huge potential, underlined by the fact he has featured for Canada at international level, and he would fit seamlessly into the Black Cats side.

There would be question marks over whether Millar could reach Clarke’s level, but he would be an excellent option for Sunderland should the winger depart.

 

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