Leeds talent must prove himself all over again.
Tottenham completed a deal to sign Jack Clarke earlier this month before loaning him back to Leeds United.
The Mail reported that Spurs paid £8.5 million for the teenager, who is now under a bit of pressure at Elland Road.
Clarke was not an automatic starter last season for Leeds, and nor is he now.
In fact he only started five games in total, and now faces increased competition for places.
The rise of Polish teenager Mateusz Bogusz in pre-season threatens to overtake Clarke, while returning loanee Jack Harrison, along with new addition Helder Costa are all competing for wide spots.
There’s added competition too from Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski, while teenager Robbie Gotts has thrived on the wing for the under-23s.
Challenge
Clarke enters the season with everything and nothing to prove. He will join Spurs in a year’s time regardless, but he needs to make this year work.
There are higher expectations on Clarke as a result of his move, and there will be some Leeds fans who would rather chances are given to other players.
This challenge is just what Clarke needs. There is no chance of him getting complacent and starting to coast.
For Leeds, this is good news. The battle for places will eventually bring out the best in Clarke.
It’s good for Tottenham too. If he is going to get into Spurs’ XI, he needs to overcome the challenge at Leeds.
Spurs are likely to get back a more well rounded and hardened player than had Clarke joined up with them immediately.
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