Leeds United defender Sol Bamba has recently departed Elland Road, due to personal reasons.
The Ivorian found himself down the pecking order under Garry Monk, and his fate was sealed when he failed to feature in the United 18-man squad against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Bamba endured an impressive loan spell at Elland Road in the latter stages of the 14/15 campaign from Palermo, enough so to secure a permanent deal at the Yorkshire club, making a total of 49 appearances for Garry Monk's men.
The Whites were willing to listen to any offers for the 31-year-old on Deadline Day, however the deadline surpassed, with Bamba still a Leeds United player, leaving Monk no option but to part company with the centre-half due to personal reasons.
This could be a decision that the former Swansea boss could live to rue, and here, FLW writer George Harbey identifies 2 PROS and 2 CONS for Sol Bamba departing Leeds United...
PRO 1 - Frees up the wage budget
Although the Whites are now unable to bring anybody in until January, this could free up some wages in order to bolster the squad with some more highly regarded, expensive players in the second part of the season.
Although United couldn't move Bamba on for a fee, in the long run, freeing up the Ivorian's wages could be pivotal for Monk and owner Massimo Cellino when it comes to strengthening the squad.
CON 1 - Lack of squad depth
Bamba's departure now leaves Monk with three recognised centre backs, those being Liam Cooper, Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jannson, with the latter duo on loan respectively from Swansea City and Torino.
If any of the trio were to sustain an unfortunate injury during the next few months, Monk would have a real issue, due to his incapability to shuffle round with the defensive side of the squad.
Furthermore, Monk is unable to sign anyone until the New Year, which could also be a major problem.
PRO 2 - Monk can now look to recruit fresh, younger talent
At the age of 31, Bamba is now reaching the latter stages of his career, with his best years arguably behind him.
In January, Monk can now look to bring in a fresh, young face to add to his defensive ranks, someone like Tyrone Mings or Regan Poole.
With the guidance of the experienced Liam Cooper or Kyle Bartley alongside a young defender, Leeds could be a unstoppable force at the back.
CON 2 - Leeds cannot act upon Bamba's departure until January
Not only are United losing an experienced player, who is adapted to the harsh, gruelling environment of the Championship, they cannot look to replace Bamba until the January transfer window.
As eluded to before, the lack of depth of in the defensive area of the squad could prove to be a real problem for Monk, and now the former Swansea boss will have to wait 4 months before bolstering his defensive options.
With one of the division's more experienced defenders departing, it could be a real blow for Leeds United.
So...What do you think Leeds fans? How big of a blow is Bamba's departure? Is he irreplaceable? Are you fearing for your lack of depth in the defensive department? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!