REGIS LE BRIS claims the breakdown of Chemsdine Talbi’s proposed move to Saudi Arabia was a “shared decision”, with the Sunderland boss having been delighted with the midfielder’s response to remaining on Wearside.
When Talbi was left out of Sunderland’s Europa League squad because of ongoing transfer discussions, it felt like his departure was all-but-inevitable.
However, while discussions were held with clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, those countries’ transfer windows closed with Talbi still on the Black Cats’ books.
Injuries to Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle meant it suited Sunderland to keep the Morocco international at the Stadium of Light, but Le Bris has been keen to stress that Talbi also bought into the decision to turn down proposed transfers away from England.
“We had some talks, and at the end of the day, it was a shared decision,” said the Sunderland boss. “It was clear that it wasn’t the best moment for him to leave, for us, and we were aligned on that decision. It was a consensus.”
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The collapse of a potential move to the Saudi Pro League was only confirmed on Tuesday evening, and within a couple of hours, Talbi was chipping home the goal that enabled Sunderland to beat Hull City and secure a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Le Bris insists he did not hesitate in naming Talbi in his starting XI to face the Tigers, having been delighted with the 21-year-old’s response to remaining at Sunderland.
“He showed against Hull that he is all in with us, no doubt, which is impressive for a young guy,” said Le Bris. “You can say what you want, but a period like that is always hard to manage. But one day after the end of the market in Saudi, it was done, and then he had to switch straight back on with Sunderland. To do that was impressive.”
Talbi played in a central-midfield role against Hull, and while he remains an option on the right-hand side, his ability to drift around in a number of attacking-midfield positions should benefit the Black Cats as they look to combine their domestic duties with the challenges of a Europa League campaign which begins with a home game against AZ Alkmaar next week.
“His position is versatile,” said Le Bris. “He finds space, and he has this ability to run on the left side, the right side or under the striker. He manages transitions really well, so he is another option for me and the coaching staff, and I think that is really positive.”
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