Al-Ittihad turn to Sunderland’s Chamseddine Talbi in search for winger

Al-Ittihad have opened negotiations with Sunderland over a possible move for Moroccan winger Chamseddine Talbi after Feyenoord rejected their €30m offer for Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa.

Reports had confirmed that Feyenoord turned down the Saudi club’s proposal for Hadj Moussa. With the summer transfer window now closed in the Netherlands, the Dutch club were unable to bring in a replacement, making the player’s departure particularly difficult.

According to Sky Sports, Al-Ittihad have now switched their attention to Talbi, who joined Sunderland during last summer’s transfer window from Belgian club Club Brugge for £18m.

The 21-year-old is understood to be available this summer, with Sunderland having left him out of their European squad for the current season. That decision has contributed to uncertainty over his future and increased the possibility of a move before the transfer window closes in other leagues.

Al-Ittihad are not the only club interested in Talbi. The Saudi Pro League side are expected to compete with Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Besiktas for his signature, according to respected journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Saudi club could also seek to use the presence of Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri to help persuade Talbi to move to Jeddah. En-Nesyri joined Al-Ittihad during the previous winter transfer window and has been part of the club’s squad since then.

Talbi arrived at Sunderland from Club Brugge for a reported fee of £18m. During his time with the English club, he has made 31 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Al-Ittihad are looking to recruit another winger to operate on the right side of their attack this season. Their need for a player in that position increased after French winger Moussa Diaby left the club for German side Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

The Saudi club have been linked with several wide players during the summer transfer window, with Hadj Moussa the latest target. However, they have so far been unable to complete a deal for any of the wingers they have pursued.

Their attempt to sign Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord ended when the Dutch club rejected the €30m bid, despite the Algerian being the player Al-Ittihad had identified for the role. The club must now decide whether to continue discussions over Talbi or pursue another option before their own transfer business concludes.

Talbi’s availability, his experience in the English game and his Moroccan connection with En-Nesyri have made him a prominent alternative as Al-Ittihad seek to strengthen their attack. However, any move would require the Saudi club to overcome competition from both Galatasaray and Besiktas.