Remember when we all thought Jack Rodwell was going to become an elite-level midfielder?It wasn’t even that long ago.He burst onto the scene with Everton during the 2008-09 campaign - after making a couple of appearances during the previous season - and soon established himself as a key member of the Toffees’ squad.In March 2010, Phil Jagielka tipped his Everton teammate to mature into a Steven Gerrard-style attacking midfielder and, in fairness, that prediction seemed perfectly reasonable at the time.Rodwell possessed all the tools required to become a top central midfielder: power, pace and technique while his attitude also appeared to be spot on.However, the turning point for Rodwell’s career came in August 2012 when he agreed to join Manchester City in a £12 million deal.
Rodwell flopped at City
In two seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Rodwell made just 25 appearances for City, scoring two goals.
A succession of untimely injuries also hindered Rodwell’s development and just two seasons later he found himself signing for Sunderland, who forked out £10 million for his services, paying him a cool £70,000-per-week in the process.
Rodwell was stung after missing out on a place in the England squad for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil and knew he needed to leave City in order to get his career back on track.
His Sunderland career has also been a disappointment
Sadly, though, joining the Black Cats has failed to have the desired effect.
Rodwell’s reputation has taken a spectacular nose-dive over the past few seasons and he hasn’t been close to receiving an England recall during that time.
No Premier League club wanted him when Sunderland were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season and even in England’s second-tier, he’s failed to impress.
Rodwell's career hits a new low
In fact, his disappointing career has hit a new low today.
Rodwell, after recently informing the Black Cats that he wants to leave Wearside from a fresh start, has had his contract terminated, per Sky Sports.
It seems Sunderland weren’t bothered about keeping the 26-year-old, who now finds himself without a club.
Twitter reacts
Here’s how Twitter has been reacting to the news…