I agree, Cissokho really impressed me initially and he is much better than Richardson at LB. However after watching some very poor LB's in recent seasons: Warnock, Bennett, Luna and Clark when he filled in, it was easy for Aly to look like a more competent all rounder.
I will be sad to see him go without a proper chance however, if we can get someone in who's an outlet for the forwards and a good defender then so be it.