adminSunderland have reportedly begun discussions over the potential signing of a new “strong” addition, who is represented by the same agency as midfield star Granit Xhaka, according to fresh reports this afternoon.
The Black Cats recently ended a quiet start to the January transfer window by completing the signing of Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi, a move that highlights head coach Régis Le Bris’ long-term vision for squad building.
Sunderland agreed a £3.5 million deal for the 20-year-old, who had previously looked set to join Celtic before that move fell through. Ta Bi has since committed to a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, becoming the club’s first signing of the window.
He arrives from Maccabi Netanya after impressing during a loan spell with Hapoel Petah Tikva, where he recorded two goals and two assists in 12 appearances in Israel’s top flight during the first half of the season.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman described Ta Bi as “dynamic and explosive,” stressing that the club will take a patient approach to his integration rather than placing immediate expectations on him. Primarily operating on the right flank, the winger fits Sunderland’s recruitment strategy of targeting young players with significant upside.
Le Bris has confirmed that Ta Bi will need two to three weeks to regain full fitness due to an ankle issue, although surgery is not required. This explains his absence from Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace, with the club keen to manage his recovery carefully before introducing him into the first team.
Despite this signing, Le Bris has reiterated that Sunderland will only pursue further additions if exceptional opportunities arise. The club entered January intent on giving their 14 summer signings time to settle, though further arrivals or departures remain possible.
One potential outgoing is left-back Arthur Masuaku, with Standard Liège understood to be in talks over a deal for the former West Ham defender. While his current injury complicates negotiations, discussions are believed to be ongoing and could involve a player moving in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are said to have opened talks over Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin. Journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that Le Bris’ side are exploring a deal for the Swiss international, who shares representation with Granit Xhaka.
Omlin has yet to feature for Gladbach this season and has fallen behind Moritz Nicolas in the pecking order, despite wearing the number one shirt. At 32, he may be open to a move in search of regular minutes, particularly with international considerations in mind.
With the World Cup on the horizon and Switzerland set to tour the USA, Omlin is running out of time to convince national team coach Murat Yakin of his place in the squad. A move to Sunderland could help revive his chances, though it remains unclear what role the Black Cats would envision for him.
Gladbach signed Omlin in 2023, with then sporting director Roland Virkus praising the goalkeeper highly at the time. Whether Sunderland push negotiations further remains to be seen.
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