Sunderland secure Moroccan talent Talbi

Sunderland AFC have secured the signing of promising winger Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge in a deal potentially worth £20.5 million. The 20-year-old Belgian-born talent has committed his future to the Black Cats with a five-year contract running until 2029.

The transfer structure includes:

• Initial fee: £18 million (21 million euros)
• Potential add-ons: £2.5 million (3 million euros)

Talbi, who has chosen to represent Morocco internationally despite playing for Belgium at youth level, expressed his excitement about joining the Championship club:

"I'm thrilled to be joining one of England's most historic clubs. The project here really appealed to me - a young, ambitious team playing attractive football. The Premier League is where every player dreams to compete, and I believe Sunderland gives me the perfect platform to develop."

The young winger comes with impressive credentials from his time at Club Brugge:

• 7 goals and 5 assists in 44 appearances during 2024-25 season
• 2 Champions League goals in 11 European appearances

Talbi's arrival signals Sunderland's ambition to strengthen their attacking options as they push for promotion to the Premier League. His versatility to play on either wing and proven track record in both domestic and European competitions make him an exciting addition to the squad.