Chemsdine Talbi excluded from Sunderland Europa League squad

Sunderland AFC has excluded Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi from its 22-player squad list for the 2026-2027 Europa League campaign. Due to UEFA regulations regarding homegrown players, the club was unable to register its full quota of 25 players. Talbi is ineligible for the ‘B list’ because he joined from Club Brugge in July 2025 and has not met the required two-year residency criterion.

The omission comes amid growing uncertainty regarding the 21-year-old's future at the club. His playing time has decreased recently, and competition for offensive positions has increased following the arrival of Malick Fofana.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris stated that a transfer remains a possibility, noting, “A departure remains possible, so it is important to respect both parties.” While Le Bris expressed belief in Talbi’s potential to succeed at the club, he emphasized the importance of mutual trust and the player's own wishes. Interest in the winger has been reported from Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, as well as Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in Turkey.