Sunderland have confirmed that Chemsdine Talbi will not be leaving following his links with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.
Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi will not be leaving the Black Cats despite his recent discussions over a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
Following the closure of the English summer transfer window last week, reports emerged that Talbi was in talks with the Saudi Pro League side over a Sunderland exit, just one year after joining the Stadium of Light project from Club Brugge.
Those reports came following the surprising omission of Talbi, who scored four goals and notched one assist in all competitions last season in his debut year on Wearside, from Sunderland’s Europa League league phase squad.
Therefore, the Moroccan’s future on Wearside was left up in the air amid the lucrative potential departure to Saudi Arabia and interest from Turkish powerhouses Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray.
However, ahead of Sunderland’s Carabao Cup round three win over Hull City, in which the Moroccan scored the winner with a delightful dink, Black Cats Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi confirmed that Talbi will stay at the Stadium of Light despite the Europa League squad factor.
Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi in action vs Ipswich Town (REUTERS)Sunderland Chief Explains Chemsdine Talbi Transfer Decision
Talbi was awarded his first start of the season by Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris against Hull, and was one of the brightest sparks in a pedestrian-paced affair, with his first-half effort coming closest to beat Tigers goalkeeper Dillon Phillips before breaking the deadlock on the 70-minute mark with a moment of brilliance.
Before the cup clash began, Sunderland Director of Football Ghisolfi explained that Talbi’s potential and versatility were key factors behind the club’s decision to retain his services.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Ghisolfi said: “Chemsdine will stay with us 100%. Of course, he had interest, and we had some conversations with very good clubs. That's why he was not in the Europa League list, because we had to make choices.
“Because we were in conversations, if we put him on the list and after that he was left, we could lose this slot for eight games.
"So it was painful because we don't have a lot of club-trained players. So yeah, that's why we took this decision.
“But at the end, he will stay with us, and we are very happy because I think we all know the potential that Chemsdine has, and also the versatility: he can play on the left, can play on the right, and can play also behind the striker.”
As a result, Talbi could be registered for the Sunderland squad if the Black Cats advance to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Ghisolfi added: “At the end, when you have a transfer, you need three signatures.
“So we were all speaking what is the best for the boy first, what is the best if Sunderland can be happy with this transfer.
“And at the end, if he stays, it's because Sunderland and Chemsdine wants to continue together.”
Sunderland Have Made Correct Chemsdine Talbi Decision
With Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle out for several weeks with yet another injury concern, shortly after signing a new long-term contract at Sunderland, retaining strength in depth in the wide attacking roles was important for Le Bris’ squad.
Additionally, with Talbi having proven ability to impact in the Premier League within his debut season at Sunderland, and his impressive performances at the World Cup for Morocco, there is scope to better the potential sale on him in the future.
Now, the onus is on Talbi to kick-start his second season in the Sunderland colours by continuing his form from the Hull cup win and fight for a consistent starting role under Le Bris, vindicating the Stadium of Light hierarchy’s decision to retain the young winger.
