Sheffield United will likely face a crucial January transfer window this season as Slavisa Jokanovic looks to address imbalances within his squad.
The Serbian’s insistence on playing a 4-2-3-1 formation has led to some questioning whether the new Blades manager is moving too soon with the change from the well-known 3-5-2 of the Chris Wilder years. A lack of wingers, being the crux of the issue for some.
It’s imperative, then, that the Blades make moves in January to fill the void when it comes to natural width. Ben Osborn is going well on the left but is one injury away from leaving Jokanovic with an issue. On the other side, Morgan Gibbs-White has been outstanding. But the Wolves loanee missed out this weekend at Barnsley, with Iliman Ndiaye shifted to the right.
But there will be players available for Jokanovic in January. And one he could definitely look to bring in is Tottenham winger, Jack Clarke.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Clarke is said to be free to leave the London outfit. He’s found game time hard to come by, and so far, has failed to impress Nuno Santo.
Refresh
When Tottenham signed Clarke from Leeds for £10m in 2019, few argued that it wouldn’t be good business. The teenager had impressed at Elland Road, and Marcelo Bielsa was a big admirer.
But since then, it’s not quite gone to plan. Clarke has made just a handful of appearances for Tottenham. A loan move to Stoke went ok, although he didn’t exactly light the place up, with just two assists from 14 appearances.
However, sometimes a refresh is needed with young players. Whether it be the ideal club for a player, or the right time to kick on in their career. Sheffield United, then, could be a big opportunity for Clarke.
It’s a chance to move back to Yorkshire and more familiar surroundings from his youth. Further, this United team need what he brings to the table, which is the ability to play both wings, run at defenders, and hug the touchline. Indeed, United fans got a glimpse of what Clarke is about in a 1-0 Leeds win at The Lane in the Wilder-era.
Realistic
For the Blades, the January window is about being pro-active and realistic in who the club makes moves for. Alex Collado of Barcelona is thought to feature heavily on the list of players Jokanovic likes. However, the young Spaniard is a higher risk signing than Clarke.
While both haven’t played a lot of minutes, Clarke does have experience of playing in the Championship. He’s also featuring in the PL2 competition, having made eight appearances this term for the Spurs youth.
At 20, he is at the age where his next loan move is likely to be a big one.
For Jack Clarke and Tottenham, a move to Sheffield United could well suit all parties when the January window does eventually open.
