Sunderland is spending big to avoid the fate of the most recent promoted teams, who were immediately relegated from the Premier League. The Black Cats announced the signing of Chemsdine Talbi on Wednesday.
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Chemsdine Talbi has become the latest major signing in Sunderland’s ambitious summer transfer campaign, as the club continues to invest heavily in hopes of securing its place in the Premier League following promotion.
Talbi caught the eye of scouts and fans alike with his dynamic performances for Club Brugge last season, and English media reports suggest the Belgian side will collect more than 20 million euros for the winger one of the highest fees in its recent history.
Talbi, known for his blistering pace, close control, and ability to take on defenders one-on-one, has been considered one of the brightest talents to emerge from Club Brugge’s youth academy in recent years. Having joined the club in 2015 at the age of ten, he rose steadily through the ranks, impressing at every level of youth football before finally making his first-team debut in 2023. Despite his young age, Talbi quickly became a valuable asset for the senior side, contributing with key goals and assists in domestic and European fixtures. His versatility, being able to play on both flanks or even behind the striker, made him a standout performer in Belgium’s top division.
Earlier this year, Talbi also made a significant personal decision by committing his international future to Morocco, the country of his roots, despite being eligible to represent Belgium. That choice further increased his profile, especially after receiving his first call-up to the Moroccan national team in March. His performances on the international stage, even in limited appearances, demonstrated his potential to become a regular fixture for the Atlas Lions in the years to come.
Sunderland’s aggressive transfer strategy this summer signals the club’s intent not just to survive in the Premier League, but to establish itself as a competitive side capable of challenging the mid-table. The arrival of Talbi follows a string of high-profile signings, including midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for 31.5 million euros, creative playmaker Enzo Le Fée now permanently signed from AS Roma for 23 million euros after a successful loan spell and versatile full-back Noah Sadiki, brought in from Union Saint-Gilloise for 17 million euros. With Talbi’s fee added to the tally, Sunderland’s total summer spending is approaching the 100 million euro mark, placing them among the top spenders in the league this window.
This investment reflects a broader shift in strategy at the club, which is now prioritizing young, high-ceiling talent over short-term fixes. The Black Cats are clearly building a squad with long-term ambitions, focusing on players who not only bring immediate quality but also the potential for future development and resale value. The club’s ownership and management have made it clear that they do not want to follow the fate of recent promoted teams who struggled to stay up and were relegated after just one season.
Meanwhile, Club Brugge continues to see its top talents attract interest from across Europe. Just days before Talbi’s departure, the club lost another key player left-back Maxim De Cuyper who signed with Brighton & Hove Albion. De Cuyper, another product of the Brugge academy, had established himself as one of the most reliable full-backs in the Belgian league and will now face the challenge of adapting to Premier League football.
With both Talbi and De Cuyper heading to England in the same transfer window, it’s clear that Club Brugge’s youth development program remains one of the most productive in Europe. However, the departures also leave gaps that the Belgian side will need to address if they wish to remain competitive domestically and in continental competitions.
For Sunderland, the focus now turns to pre-season, where Talbi and the other new signings will be integrated into the squad. The expectations are high, and fans are eager to see how this bold recruitment drive will translate on the pitch. If Talbi lives up to his potential, he could become not only a key player for the club’s survival hopes but also a new star in the Premier League.
Updated: 03:52, 9 Jul 2025
