Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman feels the Black Cats have outgrown winger Leon Dajaku after it was announced the German winger will leave the club this summer.
HNK Hajduk Split have reached an agreement for Dajaku to join the Croatian club, with his permanent move subject to the 22-year-old completing a medical and signing his contract with the SuperSport HNL side.
The former Bayern Munich youngster joined Sunderland on loan from Union Berlin in the summer of 2021 and was part of the side who won promotion from League One to the Championship.
Dajaku made enough appearances to trigger a permanent transfer to Wearside last summer but struggled for regular game-time in the Championship under both Alex Neil and Tony Mowbray.
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After making 37 appearances in total for the club, he joined Swiss side St Gallen on loan for the second half of last season and when new signing Jobe Bellingham was handed his number seven shirt, it was felt the writing was on the wall in terms of his future at the Stadium of Light.
And that theory has now been confirmed with Dajaku expected to complete a move to the Stadion Poljud on July 1.
Speaking about Dajaku's departure, Speakman told safc.com: “Leon played his part during our promotion-winning campaign and we thank him for his contribution over the past two seasons.
"The club has progressed rapidly throughout his time at the Stadium of Light, meaning that opportunities have become increasingly limited within a senior environment. This move represents the best outcome for the club and player, as it will provide Leon with the right challenge to continue his development.”
