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Sunderland Set to Land €23m Club Brugge Starlet Chemsdine Talbi in Major Statement Signing
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has provided a significant update on Club Brugge talent Chemsdine Talbi, revealing that the young winger is on the verge of sealing a big-money move to Sunderland. The 20-year-old Moroccan, once a youth international for Belgium, is currently undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed €23 million transfer—including performance-related add-ons—and is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light early next week.
Talbi began his career at Royale Union Tubize-Braine before making a name for himself in the Club Brugge academy. His rise through the ranks included a standout spell at Club NXT in Belgium’s second tier, where his performances earned him a call-up to the first team. During the 2024–25 campaign, the winger racked up 7 goals and 5 assists in 44 matches, with one of his most memorable moments being a Champions League brace against Atalanta—an achievement that turned heads across Europe.
Primarily deployed as a right-winger, Talbi is also adept at cutting inside from the left, offering tactical flexibility. Sunderland’s interest stems not just from his statistics, but from his potential to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. Head coach Régis Le Bris, who recently brought in Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise, seems keen on leveraging the Belgian market as he reshapes his squad for top-flight football.
After an unforgettable promotion back to the Premier League—secured with a stoppage-time winner over Sheffield United in the playoff final—Sunderland know the challenge that awaits. The cautionary tale of last season’s promoted trio (Southampton, Leicester, and Ipswich, all of whom were relegated) is a stark reminder of how unforgiving the division can be.
Talbi’s arrival could be vital, especially given the uncertainty around Ian Poveda’s future and the limitations of Patrick Roberts, despite his valuable role in last season’s promotion campaign. Le Bris is likely to start the season with a 4-2-3-1 setup, and Talbi’s technical skill, pace, and eye for goal make him a natural fit—initially as a backup, but with the clear potential to nail down a starting berth.
If he adapts quickly to the demands of English football, Talbi could prove to be one of Sunderland’s smartest investments in recent years—bringing flair, depth, and a much-needed spark to their Premier League survival bid.
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