Kristjaan Speakman shares the 'really important' reason Sunderland sold Jack Clarke
Sunderland have sold some quality players over the years, much to the frustration of supporters.
However, the Black Cats have learned to sell well, and they must be praised for how they have used the money generated from sales.
This summer, Sunderland signed Habib Diarra for a record fee, while spending more than any promoted club in history.
Now, Kristjaan Speakman has addressed the exit of Jack Clarke, who was pivotal to the Wearsiders' rise from League One to the Premier League.
Kristjaan Speakman addresses Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart sales
Clarke and Stewart were both part of Sunderland's League One play-off winning team against Wycombe Wanderers in 2022.
Indeed, when the Black Cats were promoted to the Championship, they both continued their influence and became star players.
However, after only a year in the second tier, Stewart departed for Southampton, where he achieved promotion to the Premier League.
As for Clarke, he blossomed into Sunderland's main man before signing for Ipswich Town last year.
- Clarke made 52 goal contributions in 114 appearances for the Black Cats
- Stewart bagged 40 goals in 80 appearances for the Wearsiders
- Both struggled for impact in the Premier League
Since their departures, the North East club have continued to sell quality players, including Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson.
However, Speakman has spoken about those decisions and how they have influenced further business.
"We've always understood that over that period of time we're maybe going to take criticism on some of those decisions [transfers]," said Speakman via the Sunderland Echo.
"But, you know, Jack Clarke, Ross Stewart, these types of trades that we've had have kept our transfers and our squad building going.
“They're all really, really important. I think you can see that every club in the world is susceptible to trading and transfers and you have to be well prepared at the start with your contract and you have to be well prepared to be able to replace."
Kristjaan Speakman has worked wonders at Sunderland
Over the years, Speakman has come in for his fair share of criticism, but now he has surely proven his worth.
The Wearsiders have indeed moved some of their best players on, and that is never easy to watch as a supporter.
Furthermore, some fans were critical of a lack of spending in the lower divisions, but it is a strategy that has worked.
Of course, the Dane was never going to get recruitment spot on every time, but some deals have been genius.
Both Stewart and Clarke are now playing Championship football, and neither of their moves should be regarded as a success.
With Sunderland towering over them in the Premier League, the North East club's unpopular decisions have paid off.
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