Sunderland icon Gordon Armstrong shares his candid thoughts on Jack Clarke’s plight.

Sunderland icon Gordon Armstrong believes Jack Clarke deserves to play in the Premier League following two successful seasons on Wearside.

Clarke has made 92 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats since his permanent arrival in 2022, scoring 11 and 15 goals in the previous two seasons.

Sunderland have turned down various proposals for the 23-year-old over the last two transfer seasons and expect more this summer. Clarke’s agent, Ian Harte, also stated earlier this year that his client is expected to leave the Stadium of Light once the transfer window reopens.

Clarke has two years left on his contract at Sunderland, having signed a four-year deal when he joined from Tottenham in 2022. The winger has always been said to be content in Wearside after his move from Leeds to Spurs did not pan out.

When asked about Clarke’s condition, Armstrong told the Echo: “I believe he will most likely leave, and I believe most fans will accept that as well. The lad has done an excellent job and is most likely above Championship level.

You have to do it in the Premier League, but I believe he deserves the opportunity to do so at a greater level, and I don’t think fans will hold it against him.

Following Sunderland’s season-ending game against Sheffield Wednesday, Clarke wrote on Instagram, “Another season ended. Unfortunately, not good enough over the course of the year. We shall come back stronger. “Over and out.”