Sunderland are closing in on signing Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi from Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge.
The Black Cats have been busy this summer following their promotion to the Premier League from the Championship. Sunderland have already signed three players: Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, and Enzo Le Fee, who was signed permanently after his loan move last season.
Now it seems Regis Le Bris’ side are closing in on making their fourth signing this summer, with Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi undergoing a medical at Sunderland.
This is according to Fabrizio Romano, who also reported the clubs have agreed a deal worth €23 million for the winger.
How did Talbi fare last season?
Talbi was a consistent figure for Club Brugge last season, playing a role both as a starter and as a substitute.
The winger had a mix of starts and substitute appearances in the Juliper Pro League last season, making 21 appearances (10 starts), scoring five goals and assisting three, which helped his side finish second in the league. In the Champions play-off round, Talbi struggled to make a significant impact, playing six times (two starts).
In the Champions League, Talbi was a key player, playing a crucial role in Club Brugge reaching the last 16, making 11 appearances (seven starts), scoring twice and assisting once.
The 20-year-old was also a consistent starter in the Croky Cup, making five appearances as his side went on to win the cup, beating Anderlecht 2-1 in the final.
Overall, Talbi played a key role for Club Brugge, making 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting five, which helped his side win a cup and finish second in the league.
Premier League Sunderland strengthening.
The Black Cats have started their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season following their promotion from the Championship, signing Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, as well as signing Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal, but it seems Sunderland are now close to strengthening their attack.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland are close to signing Talbi for a fee worth €23 million, with the winger undergoing a medical with the Premier League side.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has also reported that the 20-year-old will sign a five-year contract with Sunderland early next week.
Would this be a good signing for Sunderland?
It was a historic campaign for Sunderland last season, gaining promotion to the top flight, winning 2-1 in the play-off final against Sheffield United, but they now have a big summer ahead of them.
It seems Le Bris’ side have already begun preparations for the upcoming season, signing midfielders Sadiki, Diarra and Le Fee. But, they may need to strengthen their attack to avoid relegation.
Sunderland only have two natural right-sided wingers at the club: Patrick Roberts and Ian Poveda. Bringing in Talbi could strengthen this position.
The 20-year-old showed last season his ability to make an impact, contribute towards goals and help drive the ball forward when given the chance.
In the league last season, Talbi averaged 6.90 progressive carries and 3.21 carries into the penalty box per90. This ability could be crucial for Sunderland in the league, as he can bring the ball forward quickly on the break and drive his team up the pitch to create chances and contribute towards goals.
Le Bris has demonstrated his ability to get the best out of young players during his time at Sunderland, as seen with Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, and Eliezer Mayenda last season. Talbi fits this model of a young, exciting talent and could be part of a youthful core Le Bris has utilised before.
While it could be seen as a risk due to the fee the Black Cats are paying, it could be a great signing for Sunderland, as they would be getting an exciting talent who could be a long-term star for Le Bris’ side.