Can Chemsdine Talbi be a success for Sunderland in the Premier League? | OneFootball

It appears that someone in the scouting department at Sunderland has been watching a lot of Pro League football recently. After picking up one of the young stars of the league in Noah Sadiki, the Black Cats have returned to grab another young talent from the Pro League. Club Brugge have reportedly agreed a fee of around €20m to let Chemsdine Talbi leave Belgium to join Sunderland. Does the move come to soon for the 20-year-old Moroccan? Or is he ready to set up to the Premier League?

Talbi only mdae four appearances for Club during the 2023/2024 season, but last year he had a real breakout season. In 44 games he scored seven goals and provided five assists. While the five goals in the league were good, it was his performance in the Champions League that really stood out. He only scored twice, but both goals came in the sides impressive 3-1 away win over Serie A side Atalanta. Talbi was one of the best players on the pitch as Club shocked the Italian side.

His speed and technical ability should give him a great platform when making the switch to the Premier League. He can play on either wing, bringing Sunderland some versatility on that front. Fans of the club will have to hope that this past season was part of a long-term trajectory for Talbi, rather than just a flash in the pan. At 20, there is plenty of room for him to grow, but he may have to adapt quickly going from a title challenging side in Club Brugge to a Sunderland side who are likely to be, on paper at least, weaker than their opponents. Here is where the Champions League experience should come in handy. Talbi never looked overawed at the highest level of European football, it is unlikely he will do so when faced with Premier League opposition.

Furthermore, Talbi will also be aiming for a spot in the Moroccan side for the home Africa Cup of Nations at the end of 2025. The winger had a choice between Morocco and Belgium but went for the North African side over the Red Devils.

It is certainly a gamble from Sunderland to part with €20m after just one good season in Belgium, but Talbi does look like he could be worth the outlay. Club will be happy to have once again got a large sum for a young player, one that they can reinvest in the wider squad. One name that is being linked with the club already is Napoli man Cyril Ngonge, who played for the side as a youngster.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson