Sunderland address 'rare' signing's injury situation after explosive star's Celtic move axed amid concern
The star has signed for Sunderland after claims of why his Celtic move derailed.
Sunderland have addressed their new signing’s injury situation after it appeared to derail a move to Celtic.
The Premiership champions looked to have signed winger Jocelin Ta Bi following an impressive spell on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from fellow Israeli side Maccabi Netanya. Claims emerged, however, that the deal was off as the star had an issue that would potentially need surgery.
It then emerged that Sunderland were on the prowl and he was announced as a player of the Premier League club before Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace. There has been intrigue though over the Ivorian winger’s injury situation but Stadium of Light boss, Regis Le Bris, has insisted that the explosive star is a rare find who simply needs managed amid an ankle issue.
What is Jocelin Ta Bi injury situation?
Le Bris said: “We’ll have to manage his ankle. It was not too serious but we'll have to wait two or three weeks to build his fitness. He's a young winger with a specific profile. It's rare in this industry to find this explosiveness and skills to dribble and to have this courage and personality in one vs ones. He has this quality. Now we have to build his profile to get ready for the Premier League.
“You never know (how long it will take him to be ready). Sometimes they can step up really quickly, but this is the identity of our club. We can't buy a full squad of experienced players like Granit or Nordi. We also have to build with young lads and give them opportunities and support them. I hope they will be strong players for us.”
Sunderland Sporting Director, Krisjaan Speakman said: “We’re delighted to reach an agreement for Jocelin to join Sunderland. A dynamic and explosive wide player who enjoys attacking duels, predominantly from the right side, he is a player with high potential, and we will integrate him patiently into our Club.
Why have Sunderland signed Jocelin Ta Bi
“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.”
Ta Bi said: “Playing in the Premier League has always been a dream of mine, and I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead. I know there’s still plenty of work to do, and pushing myself every day and improving is something I’m fully committed to. We have some special things ahead of us at Sunderland, and I’m looking forward to taking this journey together.
“I watched a lot of matches and I have followed Sunderland ‘Til I Die on Netflix and I found it really interesting to follow the background of how they got to where they were. That is exactly the way I am. Being at a club where they are passionate about football in the same way that I am is a fantastic thing.”