The Great Hijack: Sunderland Set to Snatch Jocelin Ta Bi from Under Celtic’s Nose
SUNDERLAND — In a transfer window that has already seen its fair share of drama, a new saga has emerged that perfectly illustrates the cutthroat nature of European football recruitment. Jocelin Ta Bi, the 20-year-old Ivorian sensation who was, until forty-eight hours ago, virtually certain to become a Celtic player, is now reportedly on the verge of a sensational move to the Stadium of Light.
As of January 14, 2026, reports from French outlet Foot Mercato and various UK insiders suggest that Sunderland has “hijacked” the deal, taking advantage of a late collapse in negotiations between the player and the Scottish giants. For the Black Cats, it represents a bold statement of intent; for Celtic, it is a bitter pill to swallow in what has been a frustrating winter window.
The Celtic Collapse: Injury, Politics, or Cold Feet?
The story of Jocelin Ta Bi’s move to Britain began with a “dream.” Only last week, the young winger—contracted to Maccabi Netanya and excelling on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva—spoke openly about his excitement at joining Celtic Park. A fee of approximately €3 million (£2.5m) had been agreed upon, and the Ivorian was en route to Glasgow to finalize what many thought was a formality.
Then, the deal hit a wall.
The official narrative from the Celtic camp points toward a medical complication. Reports suggest that during his physical examination, a pre-existing knee/ankle issue was flagged, with specialists indicating that the 20-year-old would require immediate surgery and a subsequent layoff. For an interim manager like Martin O’Neill, who took over a struggling squad in late 2025, a “project” player who cannot play until April was simply not a luxury the club could afford.
However, rumblings behind the scenes suggest a more complex picture. Speculation has swirled that the move faced significant external pressure due to the current geopolitical climate, with some segments of the fanbase and activist groups expressing discomfort over a transfer involving an Israeli club. Whether it was the medical report or the mounting social pressure, Celtic pulled the plug, leaving Ta Bi in transfer limbo.
Enter the Black Cats: The Le Bris Effect
While Celtic retreated, Sunderland’s recruitment team, led by the analytical and forward-thinking Régis Le Bris, saw an opportunity.
Sunderland’s strategy under Le Bris has been defined by a willingness to invest in “high-ceiling” young talent, often looking at markets others overlook. The club is currently flying high in the Premier League, sitting comfortably in the top ten and dreaming of European qualification. This league position has given them a cushion that Celtic—locked in a desperate title race with Hearts and Rangers—does not have.
The Sunderland logic is simple: * Long-Term Thinking: Unlike Celtic, who need an “instant impact” winger to chase down league leaders Hearts, Sunderland views Ta Bi as a long-term asset. Even if he requires surgery and a three-month recovery, the club is happy to pay the fee now to secure his services for the next five years.
- The Profile: Ta Bi is a rare commodity—a naturally left-footed right winger. His ability to cut inside, his technical “elegance,” and his raw pace make him a perfect fit for Le Bris’ fluid attacking system.
- The “Captivation”: Club scouts have reportedly been “captivated” by his performances in the Israeli Premier League, where he has managed two goals and two assists in 12 appearances this season despite playing for a struggling loan side.
Scout Report: Who is Jocelin Ta Bi?
To the average Championship or Premier League fan, the name Jocelin Ta Bi was unknown a month ago. However, in scouting circles, the Ivorian youth international has been a “watched” player for over a year.
Standing at 1.75m, Ta Bi is not a physical powerhouse, but he possesses a low center of gravity that makes him a nightmare for full-backs in one-on-one situations. His style has been compared to a young Nicolas Pépé—not just for his Ivorian roots and left foot, but for his tendency to drift into the “half-spaces” before unleashing shots or through-balls.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Position | Right Winger (Inverted) |
| Strong Foot | Left |
| Key Strength | Dribbling & Acceleration |
| Statistical Output | 4 Goal Involvements in 12 Games (2025/26) |
| Contract Status | Permanent deal expected |
His journey has been unconventional. Moving from the Ivory Coast to the Israeli second tier with Maccabi Netanya, he had to prove his worth on the periphery of European football. His loan to Hapoel Petah Tikva this season was supposed to be a stepping stone to a bigger Israeli club, but his rapid development meant he outgrew the league faster than anyone anticipated.
The “Hijack” Mechanics
Sunderland’s move has been described as “lightning-fast.” As soon as the news broke that Ta Bi’s Celtic move was stalling, Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, reportedly opened channels with Ta Bi’s representatives.
The Black Cats are believed to be matching the £2.5 million bid originally placed by Celtic. Crucially, Sunderland has reportedly offered a contract that includes robust support for his medical rehabilitation, showing the player a level of commitment that contrasts sharply with Celtic’s late withdrawal.
For Ta Bi, the move to the Premier League—even to a “newly promoted” side like Sunderland—is a step up from the Scottish Premiership. The chance to work under a French coach like Le Bris, who has a proven track record of developing young African talents (notably during his time at Lorient), is said to be a major factor in the player’s pivot toward Wearside.
A Tale of Two Directions
This transfer says as much about the two clubs as it does about the player.
For Celtic, the collapse is another sign of a disjointed recruitment policy. After the short-lived tenure of Wilfried Nancy (who lasted just 33 days) and the return of Martin O’Neill, the club is in “win now” mode. They cannot afford to wait for a player to recover from surgery. Their focus has already shifted to Ignacio Laquintana from Red Bull Bragantino, a move seen as a safer, more immediate fix.
For Sunderland, this is “The Model” in action. By being brave enough to sign a player with a temporary injury, they are securing a talent that might have been worth £15–20 million in two years’ time for a fraction of the cost today.
Final Thoughts
As the paperwork is finalized, Sunderland fans are starting to get excited about a frontline that could soon feature Ta Bi alongside the likes of Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey. If the medical hurdles can be cleared and the surgery is successful, the “Great Hijack of 2026” might go down as one of the shrewdest pieces of business in the club’s recent history.