Sheffield United have confirmed the loan signing of Town right-back Harry Clarke, beating their Steel City rivals Sheffield Wednesday to the 23-year-old’s signature.
Clarke underwent a medical at Bramall Lane today and finalised the formalities on a loan for the rest of the season, the Blades, who are second in the Championship, having made a late move for the defender, who had also been the subject of a bid by the Owls and was interesting other sides at the same level.
Brantham-born Clarke, who is contracted to the Blues until the summer of 2026 with the club having an option for a further season, has looked less likely to get regular football with Town during the second half of the season following the Blues’ signing of Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta.
"Where the boys are here, going for promotion, it was a no-brainer really,” he told the Blades website regarding the move. "I've played here a few times and the atmosphere at Bramall Lane is incredible.
"I remember playing my last game at Stoke here at Bramall Lane and the atmosphere before and during the game, well it was tough being on the opposite side! I can't wait to being on the right side of it now.
"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.”
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He says he spoke to former Blues striker Kieffer Moore, who spent the second half of last season at Portman Road, and one-time Stoke City teammate Tyrese Campbell before making the move.
"I rang Kieffer. He said he put in a good word with the boss!” Clarke joked. "I spoke to Ty and he said it was great here and the lads were brilliant, so I can't wait to get going.”
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder added: "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.
"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, who rejoined his boyhood club from Arsenal in January 2022, has made eight appearances for Town this season, four starts and four games from the bench.
We understand Sheffield United made an approach to the Blues to sign Luke Woolfenden on loan earlier in the window but Town were only interested in doing a permanent deal for the central defender, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, former Blues defender Matt Clarke, 28, has rejoined his former loan club Derby County from Middlesbrough on a permanent basis, signing a deal to the end of the season.