How Ipswich Town could use potential Jack Clarke windfall in the EFL if PSV match transfer demand | OneFootball

Jack Clarke has been linked with a move to PSV Eindhoven this summer

Ipswich Town star Jack Clarke has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.

According to Football Insider, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven are eyeing a potential move for the ex-Sunderland star.

Clarke arrived at Portman Road last year following the club’s promotion to the Premier League, but he has struggled for form in the division, with the team heading for relegation back to the Championship.

It has been claimed that the Suffolk outfit are aiming to recoup as much of the £15 million fee they paid to sign him last year, if he is to be sold.

Here we look at how Ipswich could make use of that potential windfall as they prepare for a return to the second division…

Ease the burden on further sales

When a team is relegated, it’s always likely they will lose one or two players to teams still in the Premier League due to strong individual performances.

And if Clarke goes, it won’t help Ipswich hold onto someone like Liam Delap, who reportedly has a release clause worth £30 million if the club are relegated.

However, netting a £15 million fee, along with this potential £30 million windfall, will help the club hold onto other stars like Jaden Philogene, Omari Hutchinson and Jacob Greaves.

Keeping these players will be as key as any other signing they make with this money, if the Tractor Boys want to push for promotion again next season.

Ipswich will have to pay attention to the financial rules, which has also played a role in some recent sales at recently relegated clubs like Leicester City and Leeds United.

Recouping as much of that initial fee for Clarke will put them in a healthier financial fair play position, thus making their life easier in the transfer market.

Strengthen in midfield

While Clarke plays out wide, he hasn’t been able to cement himself as an integral part of McKenna’s first-team plans and thus won’t need to be replaced directly in the squad.

Meanwhile, their options in midfield are weaker than what they have in attack, and has been a part of why they’ve struggled so much in the Premier League.

Sam Morsy is now 33, and can’t be relied upon long-term to remain such an important part of the starting lineup.

Kalvin Phillips is set to return to Manchester City following his loan spell, which under-delivered on expectations anyway.

Massimo Luongo, who fell down the pecking order this year, is also in his 30s, leaving Ipswich in a position where midfield is the obvious place to strengthen.

The Championship market provides some options that could come in to add some creative flair that is sorely needed.

Someone like Ben Sheaf would be a smart option to come into the side, or someone of that mould, with Ipswich also likely to scour the market beyond just England this summer.