10 Shocking Sunderland Departures That Nobody Expected

8. Lorik Cana

Lorik Cana could have been a Sunderland hero for years to come, so popular did he prove in his solitary seasons at the club under Steve Bruce. A strong, confrontational midfielder, he formed a ludicrously combative midfield partnership with Lee Cattermole and was a key component of the club's rise from perennial relegation candidates to mid-table. Appointed club captain within months of arriving, he was also something of a trailblazer, becoming the first Albanian to ever play in the Premier League. Unfortunately Cana's promising Sunderland career was cut short after only one campaign, the lustre of potential Champions League football (and a move closer to home) convincing the midfielder to leave. He joined Turkish giants Galatasaray, but looks back fondly on his time with Sunderland, describing it as "an amazing story".