Celtic rumours quashed as Sunderland announce new signing
Sunderland confirmed the arrival of Jocelin Ta Bi prior to their win over Crystal Palace.
Sunderland moved one step closer to a spot in Europe on Saturday, with goals from Brian Brobbey and Enzo Le Fee seeing them secure a 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace.
The Black Cats have 33 points after 22 games, which has them just three points behind Liverpool in fourth place.
Sunderland announced the signing of Ta Bi prior to that fixture, with rumours over why a move to Celtic failed now rubbished.
Jocelin Ta Bi fitness update emerges
It was claimed that Celtic were set to sign Ta Bi earlier in the window, having reportedly agreed a fee and scheduled a medical for the winger.
Sunderland then swooped for the Ivorian, after it was said that the 20-year-old required surgery, which then seemingly ruled him out of a move to Parkhead.
However, those rumours have since been quashed.
A report from the Northern Echo states that Ta Bi will require a few weeks to get up to fitness, but will not require surgery as was first feared.
With Chemsdine Talbi due to return for the clash with West Ham, the Black Cats have plenty of cover in that area to allow their new arrival time to settle in.
What is Sunderland’s plan with Jocelin Ta Bi?
Many assumed that Ta Bi was a purely project-based signing, with the view of him making it into the first team in the next few seasons.
However, that seems not to be the case.
Upon Ta Bi’s arrival, Kristjaan Speakman said: “We believe in the player, and we believe in our approach to developing talent, so we are looking forward to starting the journey with him, and I’m sure our supporters will also enjoy the attributes he brings to our team.”
His words certainly suggest that Ta Bi will have an impact in the first team as early as this season, potentially casting doubt over whether Sunderland are still looking to bring another winger in in January.
Ruben Vargas has been linked with Sunderland, as was Brennan Johnson before his £35million move to Crystal Palace.
When Bertrand Traore returns from injury, the Black Cats will have five wingers, several of whom have already seen very little gametime.