Sunderland are in transfer talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad regarding winger Chemsdine Talbi. Sky Sports News reported the discussions on Tuesday, noting the Moroccan international is free to move as the Saudi Pro League's transfer window remains open.
The Black Cats, currently 11th in the Premier League with three points from two games, are considering the potential departure of a squad player. Talbi, who joined the club last season, could be set for a move to the Middle East. The club's focus remains split between the transfer market and their upcoming match against Brentford on September 5th.
Losing Chemsdine Talbi would trim one option from Sunderland's wide attacking ranks. Manager Alex Neil has used the player primarily as a rotational figure, with his most recent appearances coming from the bench. This potential move comes while the squad is already managing an absence, with Habib Diarra currently sidelined. The club's attacking output this season, shows two goals scored and two conceded across the opening fixtures. Winger W. Isidor leads the scoring charts with one goal from two appearances.
If Talbi departs, it may open a pathway for other wide players in the squad or prompt the club to re-enter the market before the domestic deadline. The financial details of any potential deal have not been disclosed by either club. Sky's report framed the situation as ongoing talks, not a completed agreement.
The team has begun the campaign with a win and a loss, leaving them three points behind early leaders Manchester City. Any squad disruption needs careful management ahead of a busy period. The immediate priority is the trip to face Brentford, who sit 5th in the table.
Integrating any potential replacement for Talbi, should he leave, would need to be swift. The club's current league standing of 11th provides a solid, if unspectacular, platform. The focus for supporters now shifts between the final days of the transfer window and the team's performance on the pitch.
The Saudi Pro League operates on a different calendar to most European leagues, allowing its clubs to conduct business after the Premier League window has shut. This gives clubs like Al-Ittihad an extended period to target players from England. For Sunderland, it represents a late opportunity to offload a player if the deal is right.
Such moves have become more common in recent years as the financial power of the Saudi league has grown. For Talbi, a move would offer a new challenge and likely a significant contract. For Sunderland, it's a chance to potentially recoup a fee for a player who is not a guaranteed starter.
The final decision will hinge on the terms offered and the manager's assessment of his squad depth. With the next match fast approaching, clarity will be needed soon. Sunderland face Brentford away on September 5th.
