"Dear SAFC supporters, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for everything you’ve done for me and for us as a team this season," Hoffmann wrote.

"It was such a crazy year but we finished the season with the promotion.

"I am proud that I played my part and helped the club to get out of that league.

"It was a big honor to wear the Sunderland shirt!

"From now on I will support the club on their way back to the top.

"All the best and a big big thank you again !”

The Verdict

Judging him on his performances in the first half of the 2021-22 season, Hoffmann would have probably been a certainty to secure a permanent switch to Wearside.

He was a good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, and despite having some flaws, the potential was there to develop into an even better goalkeeper.

Alex Neil didn't see it that way though, preferring Patterson over Hoffmann, and it has led to the German heading back to Bayern Munich, where he will no doubt be seeking his next move.

Reports in Germany suggest that 25 league appearances would have triggered the option to send Hoffmann to Sunderland on a full-time basis, but having fell short of that by two games, the Black Cats will now look elsewhere for Patterson's competition in 2022-23.