Ciaran Clark Signs 2-Year Deal With Newcastle United

Newcastle United have announced that 31-year-old Republic of Ireland International Ciaran Clark has signed a 2-year deal with the club.

The deal is not surprising to many, as it was rumored last week that the two parties were close to a new deal.

The deal essentially acts as an extension for the center-back whose deal was set to expire this June after nearly 4 seasons at Newcastle. In his time at the club, Clark has made over 100 appearances for the club, with 55 of those being in the Premier League. As a center-back he has amassed 11 goals and 3 assists while playing for the club.

Overall Clark has been a dependable player for Newcastle, and a new deal for Clark is not surprising, to say the least. After being a key player during Newcastle’s run in the Championship, Clark has been relegated to a rotational role that sees him making appearances to spell other center-backs or to cover for injuries on the back line. Despite his inconsistent playing time, Clark has delivered solid and sometimes exemplary performances when his number is called.

Right now the defender is one of the first names on the team sheet for Steve Bruce, which is likely not going to change any time soon. This season Clark has been solid at the back, while being one of the only Newcastle players to venture forward.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It is important to put this deal into perspective, however, as Newcastle have a lot of aging center-backs that are locked into contracts over the next couple of seasons. While an extension for Clark is deserved, it is important to remember this deal did not happen until there was a threat of losing Clark for free. Don’t be surprised if his time at Newcastle comes to an end in the summer transfer window or in the 2022 January window. As a player, Clark still has some value and could be sold to a team in the top 5 leagues looking to shore up their defense with a depth signing, a recently promoted Premier League side, or a Championship side pushing for promotion.

Clark had this to say regarding his new deal.

“It’s a brilliant feeling and I’m delighted that I’ve managed to get it signed

“My contract was ending in the summer; for me, I was trying to stay more focused on the games, getting back involved this season and trying to play games, and I’ve managed to do that over the last few weeks.

“To be back playing was the real aim for me, then the contract has followed, so I’m delighted to concentrate now on the next couple of years.”

Bruce added comments of his own when the deal was announced.

I’m delighted Ciaran has signed a new deal.

“First and foremost, he is a very talented defender and he gives us great balance as a naturally left-footed centre-half.

“He has also become a very consistent performer and I’m pleased to see his hard work and commitment rewarded.”

Clark is likely going to be in action as Newcastle face his former club Aston Villa this weekend.