Sunderland have terminated the contract of Didier Ndong as a result of his no-show during the summer nor the beginning of the season.
The Gabonese midfielder failed to appear for pre-season training, albeit under contract with the League One side, after a £7m move to Italian club Torino fell through despite terms being agreed. And he was not at the club's training ground this Monday.
Ndong, who was hoping for a move away from the Black Cats this summer, saw his last chance of an escape blocked after the Portuguese transfer window closed on Friday.
He was spotted at Newcastle Airport on Saturday and Sunderland were made aware of his arrival in England, but had no desire to let him back in training; although he had previously indicated he would take a pay cut to spend the rest of the season with the club.
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‼️#SAFC provide an update on Didier Ndong.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 24, 2018
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"As a result, the club has accepted Didier Ndong’s repudiatory breaches of contract and notice of the same has been provided to the player. Sunderland AFC does so whilst retaining the right to pursue the player and any club he may subsequently join in relation to compensation for the value of the player."
Fair play to #SAFC's new owners. They said they were willing to play hardball - and they have. Djilobodji and Ndong both dismissed. Two of the worst signings in North-East football. And that really is saying something.
— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) September 24, 2018
Ndong's former teammate Papy Djilobodji had also failed to show up for pre-season training and was sacked after failing a fitness test when he finally decided to show his face.
Source: 90min