10 Shocking Sunderland Departures That Nobody Expected

7. Asamoah Gyan

Following a very impressive 2010 World Cup with Ghana, Asamoah Gyan was snapped up by Steve Bruce to form part of a dynamic frontline also featuring Darren Bent and the on-loan Danny Welbeck. Although perhaps the least promising of the three, he quickly endeared himself to fans by scoring crucial goals - including one in the shock 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, and an incredibly lucky equaliser in the Tyne-Wear derby. His frantic dancing celebrations didn't do any harm either. Then, seemingly out of the blue, Gyan agreed to a loan deal with UAE club Al Ain (where he remains to this day), a move which reportedly sent six million pounds Sunderland's way. A permanent transfer followed shortly after Martin O'Neill's arrival, a move which reportedly sees Gyan personally earn over six million a season. Many Sunderland fans were let down by the move, and Gyan is now widely regarded as having sold his career. A decent display in Brazil this past summer showed he hasn't entirely lost his spark, however.