chemsdine-talbi-sunderland
Chemsdine Talbi scored against Chelsea and Liverpool during his first season at Sunderland, but the winger could already be on his way out.
The Moroccan arrived from Club Brugge last summer as part of the Black Cats' Premier League rebuild and wasted little time showing what he could offer.
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The winger had already made headlines by helping Brugge knock Atalanta out of Europe, and Talbi finished the league campaign with four goals and two assists in 28 appearances, with some of his best moments coming on the biggest stages.
His stoppage time winner at Stamford Bridge secured a memorable victory over Chelsea in October, after Brian Brobbey picked him out inside the penalty area.
Then came a goal at Anfield in December, where Talbi's deflected strike helped Sunderland earn a point against Liverpool.
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|Talbi vs Sunderland's current wingers last season|
|Player|Club(s) last season|Appearances|Minutes|Goals|Assists|Goals + assists per 90|
|---|
|Chemsdine Talbi|Sunderland|30|1,713|4|2|0.32|
|Nilson Angulo|Anderlecht, Sunderland|39|3,065|7|8|0.44|
|Malick Fofana|Lyon|16|921|2|1|0.29|
|Romaine Mundle|Sunderland|16|611|0|0|0.00|
|Jocelin Ta Bi|Hapoel Petah Tikva, Sunderland|14|906|2|2|0.40|
He was also on target in the comfortable February win over Burnley, beating Martin Dubravka with a superb effort from outside the box.
For a player who only turned 21 in May, there was plenty to build on heading into his second season in England.
Sunderland had handed Talbi a contract until 2030 when he joined, but just over a year later, there are growing doubts about how much longer he will stay.
Sky Sports' Keith Downie reported today that Al-Ittihad had opened talks with the Black Cats over a deal for the winger.
The Saudi club still have time to sign players despite the English transfer deadline passing, while Turkish sides also remain able to do business.
Regis-Le-Bris
Talbi has been left out of Sunderland's Europa League squad, having watched their recent win over Fulham from the bench.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Malick Fofana from Lyon has given Regis Le Bris another attacking option, with the Belgian joining a squad preparing for European football.
Talbi now has several possible escape routes, according to Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Talbi sparks transfer race as Galatasaray join race for Sunderland star
REUTERS/David Butler Ii
The reporter says Süper Lig champions Galatasaray and rivals Besiktas are among the clubs in contention, alongside Al Ittihad, with the winger's next destination still undecided.
Tavolieri's update suggests the priority is to find Talbi a new club before the remaining transfer windows shut.
That could see him leave Wearside after just one full campaign, despite the flashes of quality he showed following his summer move to England from Belgium.
However, there are mixed messages over whether Saudi Arabia will be his next stop.
While Tavolieri includes Al-Ittihad among the options, talkSPORT has reported that they will not pursue a deal after holding discussions.
The broadcaster instead suggests a switch to Turkey is more likely, naming Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe as interested clubs.
chemsdine-talbi-sunderland
Le Bris has acknowledged that a move remains possible, although he still believes Talbi can make a success of his time at Sunderland.
The Frenchman has spoken about the importance of both sides having confidence in the arrangement and respecting what the player wants.
Talbi therefore still has decisions to make, with Sunderland facing the prospect of another departure even after the Premier League window has closed.
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