Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Djiamgone Jocelin Ta Bi, with the 20-year-old midfielder arriving from Maccabi Netanya to begin a new chapter in the Premier League and take the biggest step of his young career.
Ta Bi, who developed his early game at Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan, joins the Black Cats after spending two and a half years in Israel, where his rapid progress attracted attention beyond the region.
The move marks his first experience of English football and places him on one of the sport’s most demanding stages.
The club announced the transfer across its official platforms, underlining Sunderland’s intent to invest in emerging talent as they continue life in the top flight.
Ta Bi has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until June 2030, with the agreement also including an option for an extra season.
Although Sunderland have not published the transfer fee, estimates place the deal at around £3.5 million, roughly €4 million.
The club have opted to focus attention on the player’s potential and long-term value rather than the financial details of the move.
Ta Bi has already spoken of his determination to make the most of the opportunity.
He has described playing in the Premier League as a long-held ambition and stressed his commitment to daily improvement, hard work and growth as he adapts to the pace and intensity of the English game.
He has also pointed to his excitement about contributing to Sunderland’s project and progressing alongside the squad.
Born in Attécoubé, the versatile midfielder left JC Abidjan in July 2023 to join Beitar Tubruk in Israel. A year later, he moved to Maccabi Netanya, where his development continued at speed.
Soon after, he joined Hapoel Petah Tikva on loan and delivered a productive season.
During that spell, Ta Bi made 40 appearances, scored seven goals and provided five assists.
His influence played a key role in Petah Tikva’s promotion to the Ligat Ha’Al, Israel’s top division, and reinforced his reputation as a dynamic and reliable performer.
With his time in Israel now complete, Ta Bi turns his focus to Sunderland, a newly promoted side working to establish themselves in the Premier League.
The move offers the Ivorian midfielder a platform to refine his game, test himself against elite opposition and continue a rise that has already gathered remarkable momentum.
