Levy let Spurs star leave for £750k, now he’s being compared to £100m star
Tottenham Hotspur’s recent recruitment efforts have transformed the squad, equipping manager Ange Postecoglou with the resources to contend for Champions League qualification in North London.
Spurs, Under Postecoglou’s guidance, finished fifth in his debut Premier League season, just missing out on a top-four spot and securing a Europa League place.
Though disappointing, this near-miss has provided a solid foundation for the 59-year-old manager to build on in the current campaign.
With key signings like Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall, and Timo Werner, Tottenham has achieved a perfect start in Europe this season, showcasing the club’s improved recruitment strategy.
Compared to Tottenham’s previous inconsistent spending, recent transfers reflect a more strategic approach. The club’s recruitment efforts in 2019-20, following four consecutive top-four finishes, aimed to propel the team to the next level after their Champions League final appearance in 2019. Daniel Levy, the club’s owner, invested heavily, spending over £100 million on players to create a title-challenging squad.
Yet, significant investments in players like Ryan Sessegnon, Giovani Lo Celso, and Tanguy Ndombele didn’t yield the desired results. Ndombele, signed for a club-record £63 million, failed to meet expectations, appearing just 91 times before departing on a free transfer to OGC Nice last year.
Ndombele’s experience wasn’t unique, as several signings from that period didn’t live up to their potential. Among these was winger Jack Clarke, who joined Tottenham in an £8.5 million deal before being loaned back to Leeds United in the Championship.
Known for his pace and dribbling ability, Clarke appeared a promising prospect for Tottenham’s future. However, his time in North London proved underwhelming, with Clarke making just four first-team appearances.
A series of loan spells followed, and he ultimately joined Sunderland for a modest £750,000, where he found the opportunity to play regular first-team football. Clarke’s performances helped Sunderland advance toward Premier League contention, with the winger tallying 27 goals in 94 appearances and establishing himself as a key player.
Following his success in the Championship, Clarke attracted interest from newly promoted Ipswich Town, allowing him to return to the Premier League. Clarke’s strong performances for Ipswich have drawn comparisons to top-tier talents, including Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
Recently, former Arsenal player Alan Smith noted the similarities between Clarke and Grealish during a match against Aston Villa, highlighting the winger’s impressive form. In terms of goal contributions, Clarke has matched Grealish this season and exhibits comparable statistics across several key metrics.
| Statistic | Clarke | Grealish |
|---|---|---|
| Games played | 6 | 7 |
| Minutes played | 303 | 346 |
| Goals & Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Goals & Assists per 90 | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Shots taken per 90 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Take-ons completed per 90 | 2.7 | 2.1 |
| Take-on success rate | 60% | 57% |
These statistics, sourced from FBref, reveal Clarke’s proficiency in one-on-one situations, with a slightly higher take-on success rate than Grealish despite playing fewer minutes.
Given Clarke’s progress, many Tottenham fans regret the decision to let him go, particularly when comparisons arise between Clarke and Tottenham’s current options like Werner. The club did secure a sell-on clause upon Clarke’s transfer to Ipswich, but the initial fee of £750,000 now appears a modest return given his development.
Tottenham’s recent transfer decisions underscore the club’s renewed focus on strategic investment, with recent signings like Solanke, Bergvall, and Werner marking a departure from past recruitment missteps.
By backing Postecoglou’s vision, Tottenham aims to blend youth and experience, striving for success domestically and in Europe. The hope for Tottenham fans is that the club will continue this upward trajectory, competing at the highest levels while remaining consistent with their renewed recruitment ethos.
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