Al-Ittihad turn to Turkey-linked Chemsdine Talbi after Feyenoord reject Anis Hadj Moussa bid

Al-Ittihad have suffered another setback in their attempts to strengthen their attack before the Saudi transfer window closes, with a proposed move for Morocco international Chemsdine Talbi now unlikely to happen.

The Jeddah club had explored a deal for the 21-year-old Sunderland winger after encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa.

Talks between Al-Ittihad and Sunderland had reportedly taken place over Talbi, with his omission from the Black Cats’ European squad list fuelling speculation that he could be heading to Saudi Arabia.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs says a move to Al-Ittihad is not currently on the agenda for Talbi. The situation is instead being monitored by Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

That development casts doubt on the suggestion that Talbi’s absence from Sunderland’s European list was linked to a possible transfer.

Al-Ittihad turned their attention to Talbi after Feyenoord rejected an offer of about €30m for Hadj Moussa, according to Sky Sports. Feyenoord technical director Devy Rigaux has also made clear publicly that the Dutch club want to keep the Algerian winger.

“The arrivals market is closed. […] Together with the board, I will do everything to keep him here,” Rigaux told ESPN.

Talbi joined Sunderland from Club Brugge for about €20m last summer, but his start to the current campaign has been relatively quiet.

He was introduced for the final 30 minutes against Ipswich Town before remaining an unused substitute in Sunderland’s match against Fulham.

His first season in the Premier League was nevertheless a significant one. Talbi made 28 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists during his first campaign in English football.

Those performances helped him continue his progress at international level and earn a place in Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

A move to Saudi Arabia at the age of 21, after only one season in the Premier League, would have attracted considerable attention and followed a similar pattern to the proposed deal for Hadj Moussa.

For now, Al-Ittihad may need to reconsider their attacking plans. Feyenoord have closed the door on a departure for Hadj Moussa, while Talbi does not appear set to join the Saudi club in Jeddah.

The Morocco international’s next step remains uncertain. He could stay at Sunderland and attempt to establish himself in a team where he is not yet an automatic selection, or he may eventually consider the interest coming from Turkey.