Back on topic, I'll be sad to see Sam go. He's a good player, capable of being even better - however, I guess we are not all privy to what goes on at the club.
Also, it's a strange turn of events:
Team gets relegated - contracts become null and void.
Player says to club - "Great, I'm off to look for somewhere better. I don't want to stay here." No fuss made.
Club says to player - "We don't want you to stay. We want to sign someone better" Everyone up in arms!
Like I say, I don't want to see Sam go, but ultimately, void contracts work both ways.