adminSunderland Closing In on €23m Deal for Club Brugge Winger Chemsdine Talbi.
Belgian transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri has provided a fresh update on Sunderland’s pursuit of Chemsdine Talbi, with the 20-year-old winger now undergoing a medical ahead of a big-money move to Wearside. The Black Cats are set to pay around €23 million, including add-ons, to sign the Club Brugge talent, who is expected to sign a five-year deal early next week.
Talbi, a former Belgium youth international, switched his international allegiance to Morocco in March. He began his footballing journey with Royale Union Tubize-Braine before joining Club Brugge’s academy. His progress has been steady and impressive — he starred for Club NXT in Belgium’s second tier before breaking into the senior squad.
The 2024-25 season proved to be his breakthrough campaign, with Talbi registering 7 goals and 5 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. A standout moment came when he scored twice against Atalanta in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League intermediate stage, which put him firmly on the radar of European clubs.
Why Sunderland Want Talbi
Capable of playing on both wings — though predominantly used on the right — Talbi offers versatility and creativity. Sunderland, having just returned to the Premier League after an eight-year absence by defeating Sheffield United in dramatic fashion in the Championship play-off final, are preparing for a tough survival campaign in the top flight. The failures of promoted sides Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town last season serve as a warning.
Head coach Régis Le Bris has already begun reshaping his squad for the challenge ahead, having signed Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise. Talbi’s arrival would further strengthen the wide attacking options, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Ian Poveda’s future.
What Talbi Brings to the Line-Up
Patrick Roberts played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion, featuring in 44 league games from the right side of midfield. However, questions remain about his effectiveness at Premier League level. With Poveda struggling for fitness and form, Talbi could start as Roberts’ understudy but is seen as someone who could soon claim a starting role.
With flair, technical skill, and top-level European experience already under his belt, Talbi looks like a promising addition to Sunderland’s exciting young squad. His signing would be a major statement of intent as the Black Cats aim to establish themselves in the Premier League once again.
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