In a surprise move Sunderland's first team captain has signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray, the tough tackling central midfielder has said the move is down to both not be able to settle in England and the temptation of Champions League football in the new season.
Although the move comes as a shock to fans, it does ultimately make sense with the arrival of World Cup and Paraguayan star Cristian Riveros at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have a choice of Boudewijn Zenden, Steed Malbranque, Christian Riveros, Jordan Henderson, Lee Cattermole and David Meyler once back fit from a serious injury, also AOL product Jack Colback is said to break in to Sunderland's first team, all eight players can play centre midfield.
The big question now on the fans minds is who will now be given the Captain's arm band.