A somewhat surprising exit on transfer deadline day earlier this week was West Ham's sale of Josh Cullen to Belgian side Anderlecht.

The 24-year-old started his career at the east London club, per Transfermarkt, joining them at the age of nine, and hence being 'one of our own' for the Irons faithful.

He has been loaned out multiple times during his career to teams such as Charlton Athletic. Bolton and Bradford, per Transfermarkt. His 141 appearances on loan seemed to have given him valuable experience to progress to the first team at West Ham.

However, Cullen only featured 10 times at senior level for the Irons and clearly became surplus to requirements, so the move seems to benefit all parties. Many West Ham fans have flocked to an emotional tweet from the player in which he said his farewells and they sent him their best wishes as he departs.

With another academy prospect in Grady Diangana also leaving London Stadium this summer, it seems that some fans believe academy stars like Cullen "deserved better".

How these West Ham fans reacted to Cullen's farewell tweet:

West Ham fans, are you sad to see Cullen go? Comment below with your views!