Tom Flanagan has left Sunderland to make a deadline day move to Shrewsbury Town.
The Northern Ireland international defender, who was in the final six months of his contract on Wearside, has joined the Shrews on a permanent basis and has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at the New Meadow.
Flanagan's departure comes as something of a surprise as he has been a regular for the Black Cats this season, starting 25 of their 29 League One games so far, alongside on-loan Manchester City teenager Callum Doyle.
And his departure leaves Sunderland with just four senior central defenders - Doyle, Danny Batth, Bailey Wright, and Arbenit Xhemajli who has only just returned from a long-term knee injury.
But the arrival of fellow centre-back Danny Batth from Stoke City the week before last may be a sign that Flanagan would have got significantly less gametime had he stayed for the remainder of the season.
Flanagan was able to play as part of a back three and did so when Batth made his debut against Portsmouth, with Doyle completing the trio.
And he has also occasionally operated at right-back during his time at Sunderland.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Tom has played his part this season to ensure we head into the remainder of the campaign competing at the top end of the division, but his contract expires in the summer and this move represents a great opportunity for him to secure his long-term future.
"He has led by example throughout his time at the club and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career."
The 30-year-old joined the Black Cats in the summer of 2018 after leaving Burton Albion, and was among the first signings made by Jack Ross when he took over.
He signed an initial two-year contract, which was later extended by a further two years.
Flanagan made 115 appearances in all competitions for the club and scored five goals.
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