'Scottish Iniesta!': Sunderland fans react as second January deal sanctioned - with Phil Parkinson shaping his squad

The midfielder has departed the Stadium of Light for Aberdeen, who were long-term admirers of the former Hibernian man, and has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Pittodrie.

He follows Laurens De Bock in leaving the Black Cats this month.

And Sunderland fans had plenty to say on his departure, offering a mixture of views on a player who split opinion.

@braddfearnleyy said: “Awful decision. Selling another first team quality player for absolutely nothing”

But @PatSAFC02 argued: “Manager never rated him tbf rather him gone than eating up wages”

@ShadyBeaver_ commented: “Tidy player if he ever manages to not be injured. Not much of a goal threat and not great defensively but technically gifted and good range of passing”

@AdrianMagson posted: “Such a shame, Scottish Iniesta”

@mmallaby added: “At least sign a replacement or a right back to free up O’Nien before you let him go, please.”

@guffsafc73 tweeted: “Struggled to get a start in a poor League One team under 2 different managers - that tells you all you need to know.”

@ted_loon commented: “42 appearances had more than enough chances and was average as pie in the worst SAFC team in history. Loads of injuries but the less he played the better he got in some people's eyes.”

@markacuthbert said: “Slow and sideways passes, no great loss.”

@DampDogBill added: “Good luck. We should have built the team around him”