The Black Cats have been linked with a move for former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark
Bobby Clark of FC Red Bull Salzburg
Bobby Clark of Red Bull Salzburg(Image: Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United and Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark is being monitored by Sunderland and Rangers as interest in the RB Salzburg midfielder hots up.
Sunderland are among several clubs tracking the ex-Liverpool midfielder, with the Reds in line for a potential windfall should the 20-year-old move on again.
Reports suggest a host of clubs, including Sunderland, Rangers, Wrexham and Chicago Fire are interested in the former Anfield youngster, for came through Newcastle's academy.
Separate reports suggest a sell-on clause will only be activated if a certain transfer fee is realised.
Red Bull Salzburg paid a reported £10million for Clark in August 2024, reuniting him with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders.
Any sale exceeding that figure would trigger Liverpool’s clause and could see the Premier League club recoup a significant portion of that investment.
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Sunderland’s interest comes amid a targeted push to add creative midfield depth to Régis Le Bris’ squad following Jobe Bellingham’s £33million departure to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the summer.
Clark fits the club’s recruitment profile – technically gifted, U23, and with a proven grounding in top-level academies.
While Salzburg are said to be relaxed about Clark’s future, with the player under contract until 2029, it’s understood they would be open to serious offers. A figure in the region of £12m–£15m is believed to be the starting point for talks.
Bobby Clark of Salzburg during the Admiral Bundesliga match against FC Blau Weiss Linz
Bobby Clark of Salzburg during the Admiral Bundesliga match against FC Blau Weiss Linz
A move to Wearside would also carry a notable family connection. Bobby is the son of Lee Clark, who famously swapped Newcastle United for Sunderland in 1997 and played a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League under Peter Reid.
The younger Clark spent seven years in Newcastle United’s academy before joining Liverpool in a deal worth around £1.5million in 2021.
He signed a professional contract shortly after turning 17 and made his senior debut in a 9–0 win over Bournemouth in August 2022 under Jürgen Klopp.
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