Morocco’s Chemsdine Talbi faces uncertain Sunderland future after Europa League exclusion

Morocco international Chemsdine Talbi has been left out of Sunderland’s Europa League squad as uncertainty continues over the 21-year-old winger’s future at the Premier League club.

Talbi’s omission comes amid reports that he could leave Sunderland in the coming days, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad and Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce among those linked with a move for the Moroccan.

According to talkSPORT, Sunderland are open to Talbi’s departure despite the Premier League transfer window having closed.

Sunderland manager leaves door open

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has acknowledged that a transfer remains possible.

“A move remains possible so it’s important to respect both parties. We’ll see,” Le Bris said.

The French coach praised Talbi’s ability but suggested that both the club and player must decide whether Sunderland remains the right place for his development.

“He’s still a good player, huge potential but after that you still have a window to decide if it’s the right pathway here,” Le Bris said.

Le Bris added that he remains confident the Moroccan can succeed at Sunderland but stressed the importance of respecting the player’s wishes.

“I believe he can succeed here, but after that it’s a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player’s choice.”

Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain possible destinations

Although the English transfer window has closed, Talbi remains eligible to join clubs in countries where the transfer market is still open.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey are among the potential destinations, with Al-Ittihad, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce reportedly monitoring his situation.

Talbi joined Sunderland from Belgian side Club Brugge last summer in a deal reportedly worth £18m.

He made 28 Premier League appearances during his debut season in England, scoring four goals, and was subsequently included in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

His limited involvement at the start of the current campaign has further fuelled speculation over his future.

Talbi was among the substitutes during Sunderland’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham last weekend.

Why Talbi cannot be added to the squad later

Talbi’s absence from Sunderland’s 22-man Europa League squad is particularly significant because the club included several young players in its selection.

Under UEFA regulations, younger players can potentially be registered separately through List B during the league phase.

However, Talbi does not qualify for that option.

Although he meets the age requirement, he has not spent the required two years at Sunderland to be eligible for List B registration.

His exclusion therefore leaves no immediate route for him to be added to Sunderland’s European squad under those provisions.

The omission adds further weight to speculation that the Moroccan winger’s time at the Stadium of Light could be approaching an early end, with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey still able to make their move.