Sunderland sign Jocelin Ta Bi for a £3.5 million fee

Sunderland have announced the signing of Jocelin Ta Bi, for a fee of £3.5 million from Maccabi Netanya.

Ta Bi, 20, was rumoured to be heading to Scotland to join Celtic, however after a complication rumoured to be about his medical, Sunderland swooped in and hijacked the deal at the last minute.

Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Jocelin Ta Bi! 😍🇨🇮

The Ivorian makes a permanent move to Wearside from Maccabi Netanya, signing a four-and-a-half year deal.

✍️ @livescore pic.twitter.com/K2pURVHldQ

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 16, 2026

When talking about the signing, the Club’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman referred Ta Bi to a “dynamic and explosive wide player who enjoys attacking duels”.

“We believe in the player, and approach to developing talent, so we are looking forward to starting the journey with him.”

The Ivorian has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the club, and was presented to supporters ahead of Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace.

In his short career, Ta Bi has made 40 appearances and has seven goals and five assists to his name.

He has played the majority of his career in the Israeli leagues, starting out in the second division before getting promoted and into the first division.

After his move to Wearside was completed: Ta Bi revealed: “Playing in the Premier League has always been a dream of mine.

“I know there’s still plenty of work to do and it is something I’m fully committed to.

“I’m looking forward to taking this journey together.”