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Clark signs loan deal with Stabaek

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Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com

At long last, it appears that Ricardo Clark has an opportunity for consistent playing time.

Clark's parent club Eintracht Frankurt and Norwegian club Stabaek agreed to terms on a deal that will have the U.S. national team midfielder on loan until July 31. According to reports out of Norway, Clark passed a physical, which was the final hurdle in completing the deal.

Clark had been on trial with Stabaek over the last few days as he sought freedom from his situation at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he has only played in one game all season. Barring an extension or full transfer, he will not get the chance to team with U.S. U-23 midfielder Mikkel Diskerud during the loan, as Diskerud is on loan to Belgian side KAA Gent until July 31 as well (at which point the club has an option to purchase his contract).

Nevertheless, Clark will have a month to regain match fitness before Stabaek's Tippeligaen season kicks off March 25 against Aalesund, and he will have four months to play in competitive matches with his new club before the loan expires.

It remains to be seen where Clark plays on the field for Stabaek. He played at centerback in the club's friendly with Valencia's reserve team on Wednesday and has drawn praise from the club's technical staff for his versatility.

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What do you think of this development? Do you think Clark can play a factor in World Cup qualifying this summer?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Thnak you, Vic. I’m glad somebody sees it clearly. You do realize, of course, that knocking Bob is seen as criminal in some corners of US Soccer.

    Reply
  2. They loaned him, they did not release him.

    They have a much higher opinion of him than you do.

    Which means if he does well, there is always a chance he gets back. The manager could get fired, half the starters could go down.

    Europe is very competitive and mostly what Rico needs is a break.

    After all, if you are being honest, none of you thought Adu would called back to the Gold Cup.

    Reply
  3. Clark is making somewhere in the range of 750-500 k per year to play soccer.

    I’ll bet everyone who posts here would do just about anything for a chance to to do that.

    If that was for making “stupid fouls and decisions” where do I sign up?

    Reply
  4. He was a STARTER in the Bundesliga before he got injured months before the World Cup. Clark has been a solid contributor to the US Nats for many years, however he didn’t regain his form by the time the World Cup started. It was Bradley’s fault for playing him.

    Reply
  5. So, the player Bob Bradley insisted onm playing at the World Cup over all objections is just about good enoughg to barely get a job with a team that is in dire straits and going broke?

    The Legend of Bob lives on.

    Reply
  6. I’m willing to bet Frankfurt will be footing most of his wage billl. Danish clubs reportedly balked at his salary which is reported to be in the neighborhood of 750K.

    Reply
  7. Yes. They couldn’t even pay the rent on their stadium, and had to move to a smaller one. Not excatly a stepping stone for Clark, but at least he’ll get playing time.

    Reply

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