Concerns are beginning to grow around Sunderland’s recent recruitment after another disappointing run of results in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have managed just two wins in their last eight matches, most recently falling to a narrow 1–0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light.
While Sunderland remain comfortably clear of the relegation zone this season, questions are beginning to emerge about whether some expensive signings have delivered enough value — particularly Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi.
Sunderland Already Safe — But Warning Signs Emerging
Under manager Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have already reached the traditional 40-point safety mark and sit 12 points above the bottom three with eight games remaining.
That cushion should ensure their Premier League status for another year.
However, their recent dip in form has sparked fears that the club could struggle next season if improvements are not made in the transfer market.
One of Sunderland’s biggest issues has been a lack of consistent goals throughout the squad.
After 30 league games, no player in the team has scored more than five Premier League goals — a worrying statistic for a side hoping to establish itself in the top flight.
Habib Diarra Yet to Fully Justify Record Fee
One player who has faced scrutiny is Sunderland’s record signing, Habib Diarra.
The central midfielder joined from RC Strasbourg for around £27 million after scoring eight goals across two seasons in Ligue 1.
So far, Diarra has scored just two Premier League goals and has failed to provide an assist in all competitions this season.
Despite those numbers, the Senegal international has still contributed physically in midfield, winning around half of his aerial duels and regularly starting matches when fit.
Because of that, he has avoided being labelled Sunderland’s biggest disappointment this season.
Talbi Struggling to Make Consistent Impact
Instead, that unwanted label may belong to winger Chemsdine Talbi.
Sunderland paid around £18 million to sign the 20-year-old attacker from Club Brugge in the summer with the expectation that he would add creativity and goals to the team’s attack.
However, his first season in England has been inconsistent.
Talbi has made 22 Premier League appearances but has only started 13 of those matches. During that time he has scored three goals and registered just one assist.
Perhaps more concerning is his lack of creativity.
The winger has yet to create a single “big chance” for teammates in the league and averages only half a key pass per game — extremely low numbers for an attacking wide player.
Moments of Quality Not Enough
To be fair, Talbi has produced flashes of brilliance.
His stunning strike against Burnley earlier in the season showed the kind of ability Sunderland believed they were signing.
But those moments have been too rare.
With limited dribbles completed and few chances created, the winger has struggled to consistently influence matches — a major concern given the significant transfer fee invested in him.
Sunderland Need More Goals Next Season
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Sunderland’s priority will likely be strengthening their attacking options.
The club needs players capable of delivering consistent goals and assists across the season to avoid prolonged scoring droughts.
Talbi is still only 20 years old and has time to develop into the player Sunderland hoped he would become.
However, based on performances so far, the Moroccan forward is in danger of becoming the club’s biggest flop of the season — even ahead of record signing Habib Diarra.
If Sunderland want to avoid a difficult second season in the Premier League, improving their attacking output will be essential.