Despite suffering a shocking defeat to Cardiff City in their most recent game, Ipswich Town is still in the running for the Championship’s automatic promotion spot. The Tractor Boys are just one point behind Daniel Farke’s Leeds United.
The Suffolk-based team would give up two goals in stoppage time, exactly at the conclusion of the ninety minutes, giving Kieran McKenna’s team a heart-stopping winning margin of 2-1.
Although it was obviously devastating to lose the way they did, McKenna must have been somewhat relieved to see Harry Clarke emerge from the match unscathed after being injured during the games and then returning to the team for the humiliation in the capital of Wales.
One could argue that Clarke’s absence was felt, as the former young player for Arsenal is now among the most valued members of the Ipswich team in terms of value transfer from his consistently strong performances at Portman Road.
At Ipswich Town, Harry Clarke’s transfer value
When Ipswich played Bristol City earlier this month, it was clear to the fans that Clarke was out of the starting lineup. The 23-year-old’s injured replacement, Axel Tuanzebe, struggled at right-back.
McKenna would haul Tuanzebe off after he won just four of his nine duels against the Robins. The former Man United assistant manager, now the primary Tractor Boys leader, was disheartened that he was unable to select a dependable player like Clarke.
Ipswich has benefited greatly from Clarke’s early season starts this year. The Tractor Boys number two has averaged four ball recoveries per game in 30 outings, and he is a relentless and vivacious presence both up front and at the back.
As a result, Clarke, who his manager praised for having a “fantastic” attitude when he first signed, is now valued at an estimated €6 million (£5 million) according to Football Transfers. This impressively places him ahead of Leif Davis, his left-hand full-back partner, who is valued at €5.2 million (£4.4 million), as well as the rest of his teammates in Suffolk.
Harry Clarke’s value at Ipswich Town compared to the squad
With Clarke leading the way, Davis’ 17 assists in the Championship this year only places him as the third most prized asset at Portman Road based on Football Transfers’ predicted transfer value estimate.
Despite recently facing his own fitness issues, George Hirst is valued at €5.6m (£4.7m), just below Clarke. The former Leicester City player scored goals while healthy earlier in the season, with six goals from 23 second-tier outings.
McKenna and company will be hoping that Clarke’s return to the starting lineup will coincide with Ipswich aiming more fiercely for automatic promotion after winning their previous six Championship games before falling short at Cardiff in the closing moments.
After departing the Gunners in 2022, Clarke will only be grateful that he’s found a place to call his own in Portman Road, away from all the buzz about promotion. The Tractor Boys may even have to fend off clubs that are seeking to sign their 23-year-old defender shortly.
