FLORIN ANDONE is ready to take “a very important step” – after blowing his big chance under Graham Potter.

The Albion striker signed last year from relegated Deportivo La Coruna has joined Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.

He has revealed the Turkish champions were keen to sign him while he was in Spain.

Andone leaves the Seagulls on a low note, having been sent off for a reckless challenge on Southampton defender Yan Valery ten days ago.

The Romania international has enjoyed some notable highs with Albion, making him popular with many fans.

He scored a memorable solo goal against Crystal Palace and two precious winners versus Huddersfield. But Albion ultimately decided all that comes with those occasional magic moments – principally a fiery temperament and inconsistent performance levels – along with other options in the squad meant he could go.

They will receive a loan fee and can review the arrangement in January.

Andone’s future was up for debate in the summer as Potter and his staff took stock of the players they had inherited.

He did himself no favours when his feisty nature came to the fore in pre-season as he argued long and hard over a throw-in during the friendly versus Fulham.

Andone’s stock rose with a goal on the opening day of the league season at Watford.

But he left his side badly in the lurch with his dismissal against Southampton, albeit for what looked a very clumsy rather than ill-intended challenge. Andone has four years left to run on his Albion contract but his long-term future with the club now seems in doubt.

He is relishing the challenge of top-flight Turkish football and the Champions League group stages.

He said: “I knew Galatasaray wanted me before.

“Three, four years ago, Galatasaray had interest. The process developed very quickly, and in two days everything was over.

“I’m so proud to be here. I think it is a very important step for me on the new page of my career.”