Sunderland completed the capture of Papy Djilobodji from Chelsea in the August of 2016.

The defender became David Moyes’ first signing since his appointment as manager of the Black Cats, agreeing a deal for the player for £8million.

Djilobodji signed a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light, to much acclaim from the Sunderland supporters. 

Little did they, or anyone, envisage how this move was going to turn out.

During his first season at the club, Djilobodji managed 23 appearances for the club and even managed to get sent off once, in the 3-0 win over Hull City.

He could not help Sunderland from getting relegated, however, and spent the following season out on loan to French side Dijon. 

Sunderland were relegated once more, and when Djilobodji due to return this summer, he went AWOL.

A 72-day exile was self-imposed before returning after agreeing an extra month of absence from the Stadium of Light.

Having been told to find a new club or come back with the required level of fitness to play, he returned on time and when he did, he a failed all fitness tests comprehensively. 

The defender then decided to miss training once more and told the club's owner he would never be seen in Sunderland again. 

The initial positive reaction has turned into resentment and disdain for a player who has behaved in abhorrent fashion.

And as of today (September 12), the League one club terminated his employment after ‘repudiatory breaches of contract.’ 

It is safe to say this transfer went from looking favourable to toxic with just over half of the defender’s contract served.