Sunderland snatch Ivorian star Jocelin Ta Bi from under Celtic’s nose in £3.5m deal | OneFootball

Sunderland have reached an agreement to sign Jocelin Ta Bi, completing a late move that has seen them beat Celtic to the Ivorian winger.

The deal, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, brings an end to a protracted transfer saga that has shifted direction several times over the past month.

Ta Bi had been strongly linked with Celtic and appeared close to a move to Glasgow earlier in the window.

A verbal agreement was in place and the player himself spoke publicly about his excitement at the prospect of joining the Scottish champions.

That move stalled after concerns were raised during a medical, prompting Celtic to pause negotiations.

Reports from Scotland and Israel then suggested the issue related to an ankle ligament problem, with a second medical assessment arranged in London.

During that period of uncertainty, Sunderland moved quickly to position themselves as serious contenders.

Despite denials from Celtic-linked sources and claims that the Black Cats were no longer in the running, negotiations continued behind the scenes.

Romano has now confirmed that Sunderland have agreed a deal worth around £3.5 million, with Ta Bi set to sign a five-year contract.

The agreement represents Sunderland’s first signing of the January window.

It also underlines their intent to build on a strong return to the Premier League following promotion via the play-offs.

Ta Bi, 20, has spent the past 18 months on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabi Netanya.

He played a key role in their promotion last season and has continued to impress in the Israeli top flight.

This season, he has registered two goals and two assists in 12 league appearances.

Predominantly deployed on the right wing, Ta Bi is left-footed and comfortable operating across the front line.

He is viewed as a player with significant development potential rather than an immediate guaranteed starter.

Sunderland’s recruitment strategy since promotion has focused heavily on young, high-upside talent.

The club’s Premier League status is understood to have played a decisive role in turning the player’s head.

Medical concerns are believed to have been factored into the structure of the deal.

Final paperwork is expected to be completed shortly.

If confirmed, Ta Bi will arrive on Wearside as one for the future, but with the opportunity to grow quickly at the highest level.