Sunderland make key decision as billionaire club launch move to sign “brilliant” star
It was the most hectic day of the year for Sunderland on deadline day.
They spent the day attempting to lure Malick Fofana to Wearside and whilst they eventually got the job done, even they were only convinced when he was putting pen to paper on his contract and holding up the famous red and white.
It capped off some late spending from the Black Cats, who left things late in the summer. Although many have doubted their ability to replicate last season’s success, there’s no denying that Fofana is a statement arrival.
|
Position |
From |
Fee |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thomas Meunier |
Right-back |
Lille |
Free |
|
Dayann Méthalie |
Left-back |
Toulouse |
£24m |
|
Jules Ahoka |
Defensive midfielder |
Royal Antwerp |
£8.6m |
|
Kevin Danso |
Centre-back |
Tottenham |
Loan |
|
Malick Fofana |
Winger |
Lyon |
£29–31m |
|
Juan Riquelme Angulo Caicedo |
Striker |
Independiente del Valle |
£5m |
Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi welcomed the winger with open arms on deadline day, telling Sunderland’s official website: “Malick has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
“He is a player with huge potential and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper.
“He operates off the left and will complement the versatility of the other wide men we have at the club, who can play across both flanks. We are delighted to welcome Malick to the Club and look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career.”
Whilst Fofana’s arrival is good news for Regis Le Bris, however, it is not good news for Chemsdine Talbi. The winger has now fallen down the pecking order and could still complete a shock exit as a result.
Sunderland make key Chemsdine Talbi decision
As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Al-Ittihad are now in talks to sign Talbi in a shock move. The transfer window has, of course, closed in England, but it does remain open until Monday October 12 in Saudi Arabia – handing clubs ample time to land big-money moves.
That’s given Sunderland plenty of food for thought and they’ve already made a key decision regarding Talbi. As revealed by Downie, the Black Cats have left the winger out of their Europa League amid talks with Al-Ittihad, which would suggest that they’re open to his exit this month.
|
Chemsdine Talbi Sunderland stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
31 |
|
Goals |
4 |
|
Assists |
2 |
It’s not just the Saudi club who are interested, either. Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are also reportedly eyeing a move for the Sunderland star, though they’ve got until Friday September 4 to make a move happen.
Talbi only arrived last summer, completing a move worth around £20m from Belgian side Club Brugge. Alas, 12 months later and he could be heading for the exit door.
Dubbed “brilliant” by scout Jacek Kulig, there’s no denying that Talbi is a player with plenty of potential. With Fofana secured, though, it is unlikely that he’ll receive the game time to realise that potential at Sunderland.
