Why Leeds United need to keep hold of youngster Jack Clarke
Leeds United star Jack Clarke’s speciality, other than leaving defenders for dead, is rejecting moves from Premier League sides. The now 18-year-old has rejected moves to Manchester City (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post) and a few others in his spell as a footballer only to stay at Leeds. However, now that the world knows just how well the youngster can play, things could get complicated in the near future.
The likes of Southampton (h/t Daily Mail) and Chelsea (h/t The Mirror) also want the highly-rated youngster and Clarke is clearly someone Leeds cannot afford to lose. So far, the teenage winger has made 12 appearances for the Championship leaders with a vast majority of them coming off the bench. And yet unfazed, Clarke has taken on his opposition head-on, winning more battles than anyone would have expected.
Not to mention, Leeds United have already revealed that they aren’t looking to sell Jack Clarke in the January transfer window (h/t The Sun). The 18-year-old could make a move over the summer but with Leeds chasing promotion to the Premier League, they need to keep their best stars. The youngster is easily among the best budding talents in their stable, which is why it’s no surprise that Premier League sides are after him.
His composure, dribbling and even technical ability are incredible but it’s his confidence and form that has attracted the Premier League sides. The 18-year-old oozes confidence every time he walks on the pitch and isn’t afraid of using tricks to beat a defender. A right-footer, Clarke’s ability to use his left-foot as effectively this season has been picked up by the scouts but so has his ability to adapt to situations.
With Marcelo Bielsa taking over, there was a little conjecture as to what lay in fate for their young talents. The former Marseille manager demands defensive work from all his players and Clarke has responded, improving the defensive side of his game. However, all that would mean absolutely nothing if they let him go over the summer.
In all likelihood, given the current state of the Championship table, Leeds will get promoted to the Premier League but they will need their best stars. Jack Clarke is amongst their best youngsters and maybe even among their top ten first-team players. While he certainly needs time, the boyhood Leeds fan should stay at Elland Road for the foreseeable future.
