Jocelin Ta Bi has wasted no time in embracing life on Wearside after completing his move to Sunderland, with the young winger openly speaking about his hunger to achieve big things and connect with the club’s famously passionate fanbase.
The 20-year-old arrives as Sunderland’s first signing of the January transfer window, putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal as he takes a major step towards fulfilling his Premier League ambition.
For Ta Bi, the move represents more than just a contract; it is the chance to grow within a club whose identity he already knows well.
“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,” he said.
“I think I can do big things because I’ve seen the fans that are so passionate about football.
“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.”
On the pitch, Ta Bi describes himself as a skilful and expressive winger who enjoys making a difference in the final third.
He revealed that he models his style on Riyad Mahrez, while naming Lionel Messi as his footballing idol: a combination that reflects both creativity and ambition.
Importantly, the winger joins a Sunderland side enjoying a strong campaign, sitting in the top half of the Premier League table and boasting an impressive unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light.
From his early observations, the Ivory Coast international has been struck by the togetherness within the squad, a quality he believes can drive sustained success.
He added: “It’s a pleasure for me to be in the group and in this squad.
“I’ve seen how happy the players are and how much harmony there is in this club when I’ve been following it.
“It’s a club that is very well grounded and united. That’s something that is really quite rare.
“My message to the fans is simple. We have some great things to do here at Sunderland.“I believe in them and if they believe in me, let’s do this together.”
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