Sheffield United Snap Up Premier League Defender on Loan | OneFootball

Sheffield United have made yet another signing this January with the temporary addition of Premier League defender Harry Clarke from Ipswich Town.

Blades manager Chris Wilder expressed his delight at securing Clarke’s services, highlighting the club’s need to strengthen their depth defensively,  he told the club’s media.

“It’s an area where we have been looking to strengthen, and we’re delighted to bring in someone of Harry’s quality to bolster our ranks,” Wilder said. “He’s young but has got good experience for his age and knows what it’s like to be successful at this level. He’s someone we’ve identified over a period of time, and we’re really pleased he’s chosen to come here when others have shown interest.”

Clarke was an integral part of Ipswich’s promotion-winning squad last season, featuring 35 times as the Tractor Boys finished runners-up to Leicester City in the Championship. Prior to that, he made 20 appearances in League One, helping Ipswich secure second place behind Plymouth Argyle.

This season, Clarke made his Premier League debut against Everton in October and has since made seven appearances in the top flight. His last outing for Ipswich came in the FA Cup earlier this month.

Harry Clarke on Signing For Sheffield United

After completing his move, Clarke expressed his excitement about joining the Blades, reuniting with former teammates Kieffer Moore and Tyrese Campbell, and playing in front of the passionate Bramall Lane crowd.

“Where the boys are here, going for promotion, it was a no-brainer really,” Clarke said. “I’ve played here a few times and the atmosphere at Bramall Lane is incredible. I remember playing my last game at Stoke here, and the atmosphere before and during the game was tough being on the opposite side! I can’t wait to be on the right side of it now.”

The young defender is confident in his ability to contribute to United’s promotion push, drawing on his experience from last season.

“It’s a tough league; anyone can beat anyone on their day. I know what it took last year, so hopefully, I can bring that experience. I am young, but I’ve been there, so hopefully, we can achieve something this year.”

Clarke also revealed that he spoke with Moore and Campbell before finalising the move. “I rang Kieffer. He said he put in a good word with the boss! I spoke to Ty, and he said it was great here and the lads were brilliant, so I can’t wait to get going.”

Harry Clarke’s Stats From Last Season

Clarke brings a huge improvement to United’s squad in terms of attacking qualities from right-back. Last season in the Championship, per FBref, he averaged seven progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 96th percentile among full-backs and wing-backs, outperforming Chelsea loanee Alfie Gilchrist’s five per 90 this season.

Additionally, Clarke contributed 2.5 shot-creating actions per 90, ranking in the 87th percentile, again surpassing Gilchrist’s 1.9 for this season. Notably, Clarke does not take set-pieces, meaning these numbers stem purely from open play. Clarke also boasted an exceptional 61% dribble success rate, ranking in the 92nd percentile (compared to Gilchrist’s 40%).

His aerial duel success rate of 60% placed him in the 80th percentile, while his interception numbers were below average – both similar to Gilchrist’s current season figures.