Sydney FC have suffered a blow with striker Joel Griffiths leaving the A-League club and expected to return to the Chinese Super League.

Griffiths sought and was granted a release from the final season of his contract on Tuesday, just seven months after arriving.

"Disappointed is a nice word to use to be honest Malaysia real estate," Sydney CEO Tony Pignata told 2MM radio.

"Unfortunately he got a really good offer and good luck to the lad. It's a good deal for him but we'll just go out and get another striker."

Griffiths, who has successful stints with Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Shenhua, scored three goals in his eight games after joining the Sky Blues mid-season in December.

The 33-year-old's departure leaves coach Frank Farina's attack looking short on experience outside superstar Alessandro Del Piero.

Del Piero is backed by a new signing in Young Socceroos striker Corey Gameiro dermes, the returning Yairo Yau plus youngsters Joel Chianese, Blake Powell and Mitch Mallia.