Al-Ittihad have opened direct talks with Sunderland over Chemsdine Talbi, according to Sky Sports, as the Saudi club push to sign the Morocco international before their transfer window closes. The move is being treated as a potential late-window exit from Sunderland, with no completed agreement between the clubs reported yet.
Al-Ittihad have entered direct talks with Sunderland over Chemsdine Talbi, hoping to close a late deal before their window shuts.
The talks help explain why Talbi was left out of Sunderland’s 22-man Europa League List A squad, one of the most notable exclusions in the club’s registration list. Reports link the omission directly to his possible departure rather than to sporting reasons. He could not be registered through List B either, since he has not been at Sunderland long enough to qualify. As things stand, Talbi is unavailable for Sunderland’s league-phase fixtures unless his situation changes.
The timing of the talks is significant. Sunderland’s transfer window in England has already closed, but the Saudi Pro League window remains open until 6 September. That gap gives Al-Ittihad a short but real opportunity to complete a deal even though the English market has shut. Sunderland’s decision to leave Talbi out of Europe appears to align with that late-window possibility.
Talbi joined Sunderland from Club Brugge in the summer of 2025 for a reported £18 million, with some coverage citing a structure of 21 million euros plus 3 million euros in add-ons. He signed a five-year contract, a deal presented at the time as a major attacking investment for the club. He is reported to have four years left on that contract, with one report placing its expiry in June 2030, meaning Sunderland hold strong contractual leverage over any exit.
The 21-year-old winger made 31 appearances for Sunderland last season, scoring four goals and adding two assists. His market value has been estimated at €25 million, and interest has also been reported from Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Beşiktaş. Al-Ittihad are said to see him as an alternative target after their pursuit of Anis Hadj Moussa. Talbi has become an important figure for the Atlas Lions as Morocco’s national team continues to build around young attacking talent, much like fellow rising talent Oussama Targhalline, who has also emerged as part of that same generational push. For now, Talbi’s future depends on whether Sunderland and Al-Ittihad can agree terms before the Saudi deadline.
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