According to the latest reports from the Guardian, Tottenham Hotspur are set to sign Leeds United’s talented winger Jack Clarke for £10m. The fee could rise to £11.5m depending on the winger’s achievements. The biggest positive for the Whites in this deal is that the Spurs would immediately send him on a season-long loan at Elland Road once they complete his signing.
This is definitely positive news for the Whites as earlier reports from the Evening Standard did the round that Mauricio Pochettino sees Clarke as a first-team option and he wouldn’t send the 18-year-old on a season-long loan. But now the Whites can have one more year out of their talented star in Yorkshire.
The youngster was destined for big things for quite some time as a few top clubs wanted his signature. Even when he was just 16, Clarke was wanted by Manchester City, but he went on to sign his first professional contract for Leeds United.
Ideally, the Whites would have liked to see his best years at Elland Road. Last season, the youngster broke through into the first team and impressed in his little cameos. One would expect him to play a significant part this season as the Whites are still looking to move out from the wilderness of the Championship.
What makes Clarke special?
The English winger’s bravery and intent on the ball is something which would catch the eye of anyone who would see him in action. His direct style of play and ability to take on defenders made him an impressive impact substitute for Bielsa last season. The 18-year-old has decent pace, and dribbling skills and the English ace even showed that he could find the right ball in the final third as well.
The youngster made only four starts last season, but we expect him to play a significant role in the upcoming campaign. His progress was hindered in the second half of last season as he collapsed in the dugout in February and he took some time off football after that.
Is this a good deal for the Whites?
Some might feel that the club could have eked out more funds from Tottenham. However, the fact that he is going to return at Elland Road for a full season is going to be a big plus. The Whites are going to receive £10m upfront, and the remaining £1.5m is based on the player’s performance.
We think that for a player who made just four starts last season, this is probably not bad a deal. Moreover, they can use the £10m to invest in the squad this season, which is going to be essential for their chances of being promoted to the Premier League.
