A-League Men champions Central Coast will have to fill a Jason Cummings-sized hole in their title defence after selling the Socceroos striker to Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Joe Marston medallist Cummings, 27, had long been linked to a big-money move to the Indian Super League side.
He has moved for an undisclosed fee after scoring 31 goals in 50 matches, making him the third-highest scorer in the Mariners' history.
He finished off a stunning 18-month stint on the Central Coast, where he turned his career around after it was on the brink at Scottish club Dundee, with a hat-trick in the Mariners' 6-1 grand-final thrashing of Melbourne City.
"I have been with the Mariners for a year-and-a-half and Monty (coach Nick Montgomery) and the club have changed my life," Cummings said.
"My career was at a tough point when I came here and I have fallen in love with the Coast.
"It is the most enjoyment that I have ever had playing football.
"Off the pitch and on the pitch, I have never experienced anything like it in my life. I cannot thank everyone at the club enough."
Eyeing a Socceroos berth, Scotland-born Cummings joined the Mariners in January 2022 and finished the season with 10 goals from 21 matches - winning the club's golden boot, as well as selection for the A-League All-Stars and a call-up from Graham Arnold.
His stellar start to this season helped him gain World Cup selection while he finished with 20 goals - a Mariners season record.
It is unclear how the move to India might affect Cummings' Socceroos prospects, while his departure is another major blow to Central Coast's hopes of defending the title.
The Mariners have already lost central defender Nectar Triantis to Sunderland and emerging goalkeeper Adrian Pavlesic to Bayern Munich this off-season.
"His contribution to not only the Mariners but the A-League in general has been nothing short of incredible," coach Nick Montgomery said in a statement.
"When I signed Jason I was in no doubt of his quality and he is an inspiration for the way he reignited his career after a tough spell in Scotland where he fell out of love for the game.
"Whilst we are obviously sad to be losing Jason, we are very proud to have helped him achieve his ambition of becoming a Socceroo and representing Australia at a World Cup.
"He leaves the club a legend for his contribution both on and off the field, not only his goals but his leadership.
"He has written himself into history and I have no doubt he will return to the Coast one day."
