Sam Clucas

Sam Clucas made his professional debut for Hereford United in a League Two match against Macclesfield Town. Clucas, who had progressed through the youth ranks at Leicester City before joining Hereford in 2011, came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, marking the beginning of Clucas's professional football career. His journey through the lower leagues laid the foundation for his future success at higher levels.

In July 2013, Sam Clucas signed a contract with Mansfield Town after impressing during a trial period. His performances for Hereford United caught the attention of Mansfield, a club competing in League Two at the time. Clucas quickly established himself as a critical player in the team, contributing significantly to their league campaigns with his versatility in midfield and ability to score crucial goals.

Sam Clucas moved to Chesterfield in August 2014 for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year contract with the club. Chesterfield, playing in League One, saw great potential in Clucas, who had demonstrated remarkable attacking capabilities at Mansfield Town. At Chesterfield, he continued to develop his skills, becoming a regular starter and contributing with both goals and assists throughout the season.

Sam Clucas signed for Hull City in June 2015, joining the Championship side on a three-year deal. Hull City paid a transfer fee of around £1.3 million to secure his services. Clucas's arrival at the KC Stadium marked his entry into higher-tier football, where he impressed with consistent performances, helping the team return to the Premier League at the end of his first season with the club.

Sam Clucas made his Premier League debut for Hull City in a match against Leicester City on August 13, 2016. He played the full 90 minutes as Hull City secured an impressive 2-1 victory over the Premier League champions. This game marked a significant step in Clucas's career, as he transitioned from playing in the lower leagues to facing top-tier teams in one of the world's most competitive football leagues.

Sam Clucas joined Swansea City in August 2017 after Hull City's relegation from the Premier League. Swansea, who were striving to strengthen their midfield, signed Clucas for a reported fee of £15 million. At Swansea, he continued to demonstrate his midfield prowess and versatility, featuring regularly in Premier League matches. His ability to adapt to new teams and maintain high performance levels was again evident.

In June 2019, Sam Clucas made the decision to sign with Stoke City. The move represented a new chapter for Clucas as he aimed to stabilize his career following Swansea City's relegation. At Stoke City, he became an integral part of the team's midfield structure, known for his endurance, passing ability, and knack for scoring from distance. Clucas quickly became a fan favorite for his consistent performances and commitment on the pitch.

In February 2020, Sam Clucas was awarded the EFL Goal of the Month award for January. His sensational long-range strike for Stoke City against Barnsley was widely recognized as one of the best goals of the season. Clucas's ability to score from distance was showcased in this goal, which captured the admiration of fans and pundits alike, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for Stoke City.

Sam Clucas signed a contract extension with Stoke City in August 2021, which would keep him at the club until at least 2023. This extension was a testament to his stellar performances and contribution to the team since his arrival. Clucas remained a crucial part of the squad, providing experience and leadership, particularly to younger players coming through the ranks. His extension was welcomed by fans and the club alike.

On May 6, 2023, Sam Clucas played the final match of the Championship season with Stoke City against Watford. Although Stoke finished mid-table, Clucas's personal performances throughout the season were consistently solid, often contributing to both defensive and attacking plays. His leadership on the pitch was notable, and he expressed hope for a stronger campaign in the upcoming season.