Morocco winger Shamsiddine Talbi emerges as RB Leipzig target amid Yan Diomande transfer uncertainty

RB Leipzig have begun planning for the expected departure of Ivorian forward Yan Diomande, with Sunderland winger Shamsiddine Talbi among the players being considered as a possible replacement.

According to Foot Mercato, the Bundesliga club have identified Talbi as a player who has attracted the attention of their recruitment department as they assess their attacking options in the transfer market.

Diomande is expected to leave RB Leipzig for Real Madrid, prompting the German club to explore alternatives ahead of his anticipated move. No agreement has been announced, but Leipzig are already examining potential candidates to strengthen their forward line.

Talbi, who is 21, currently plays for Sunderland and has made 10 international appearances for Morocco. He scored four goals in 30 matches for the English club last season, establishing himself as one of the attacking players being monitored by clubs in the European transfer market.

RB Leipzig rate the Morocco international’s combination of pace, dribbling ability and tactical flexibility. Those qualities could allow him to operate in different attacking positions and offer the club a range of options if Diomande completes his expected move to Real Madrid.

Talbi’s ability to accelerate past defenders and break into dangerous areas is regarded as one of his main strengths. His versatility is also considered valuable, as Leipzig look for an attacking player capable of adapting to different tactical demands.

Despite the reported interest, there have been no discussions between RB Leipzig and Sunderland over a potential transfer. Talbi remains under contract with Sunderland until the summer of 2030, giving the club a long-term agreement with the player.

That contract means any possible move would require negotiations between the two clubs, although no formal contact has taken place so far. Talbi’s name is currently part of Leipzig’s internal consideration rather than the subject of an active deal.

The Moroccan winger’s profile has nevertheless placed him on the shortlist of players being assessed by the German side as they prepare for changes to their attack. Leipzig’s interest comes as they seek to anticipate Diomande’s expected departure while continuing to evaluate the market for suitable replacements.

For now, Talbi remains a Sunderland player, and there is no indication that a transfer to RB Leipzig is close. The club’s interest, as reported by Foot Mercato, is at the stage of monitoring and evaluation, with the player’s contract running through to 2030.