Isaac Lihadji has signed for Qatar club Al Duhail for an undisclosed fee.
The Frenchman leaves England after less than a year at Sunderland, failing to make an impact on the first team. He was touted as Amad's replacement this summer, but it seems as though a big-money move to Qatar was enough to turn the winger's head.
The transfer has been rumoured for a number of weeks, but has now been confirmed. Lihadji was omitted from Sunderland's squad at Hartlepool as talks had progressed.
Fans presumably won't be too disappointed to see the back of Lihadji - supposedly a very exciting talent, but a player who really struggled to get to grips at Sunderland and couldn't break into the first team whatsoever. He made just six appearances.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We thoroughly enjoyed having Isaac at Sunderland AFC, but we must be pragmatic in these scenarios and assess the opportunity in any transfer proposals that we receive. After considering all the factors, we believe this represents an incredibly positive deal for the Club and it’s a transfer that will also create immediate opportunities for us in the market. Isaac is a great kid, and we wish him well in his new adventure.”
