Auckland City coach Roman Tribulietx needs to juggle his squad after defensive midfielder Andreu Guerao was snapped up by a Georgian club.
Dinamo Tblisi beat one club from Brazil and another from Japan's J-League to Andreu's signature but Tribulietx said the loss of the former Sporting Gijon player was inevitable.
"Andreu has only been with us for half a season, but I think he has left a good impression it was only a matter of time before he picked up a fulltime contract.
"It's been a pleasure to have a player of his pedigree and quality in our squad and I would like to wish him all the best for the future.''
Andreu was lured to the ASB Premiership after starring for Polonia Warsaw last season and joins a club with UEFA Europa League aspirations.
"I have enjoyed my time with Auckland City but my aim was always to return to Europe if the right opportunity came along,'' Andreu said.
The 28-year-old delivered a top quality performance in Auckland City's 2-0 defeat to Kashiwa Reysol at last month's FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.
"Auckland City has a number of very talented players and the family atmosphere at the club was different to what I have experienced previously. I wish the players and coaching staff all the very best for the rest of the ASB Premiership and OFC Champions League season,'' he said.
With Andreu leaving, Tribulietx said there were opportunities for players on the fringe of the squad to step up.
"We have a lot of depth and quality in our squad and we are still very much in pursuit of trophies and a return to the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year,'' Tribulietx said.
Auckland City's first match of the year is with Canterbury United in the ASB Premiership at their home ground, Kiwitea Street, at 2pm on Saturday.
The defending Oceania champions then face Amicale in the OFC Champions League on January 18.
