The decision to leave the winger off Sunderland's 22-man List A squad is more than a routine selection call — UEFA rules mean a player born after January 2005 only qualifies for the reserve List B if he has spent an uninterrupted two years at the club since turning 15, and Talbi, who only arrived from Club Brugge last summer, does not meet that threshold.
With just five of Sunderland's squad classed as locally trained rather than the eight normally required, the Black Cats' overall List A allocation was already reduced from 25 to 22, adding further complication to his omission.
TalkSPORT reports the 21-year-old has been in talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, while Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have also registered interest. Because the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain open, a move remains possible despite the Premier League deadline having passed.
Talbi was an unused substitute in last weekend's 1-0 win over Fulham, having featured only sporadically for Régis Le Bris's side so far this season.
It represents a rapid change in circumstances for a player who cost Sunderland around £18m from Club Brugge only last summer. Talbi made an instant impact in the Premier League, scoring four goals and adding two assists in 28 appearances, including a stoppage-time winner at Chelsea in October and a deflected effort that earned a point at Anfield against Liverpool in December.
Speaking on Thursday, Le Bris confirmed the club's stance remains open.
"A move remains possible so it's important to respect both parties. We'll see," he said. "He's still a good player, huge potential, but after that you still have a window to decide if it's the right pathway here. I believe he can succeed here, but after that it's a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player's choice."
Talbi's situation has been complicated further by Sunderland's deadline-day arrival of Malick Fofana from Lyon, a £30m move that gives Le Bris an alternative attacking option and reduces the club's reliance on the Moroccan.
Talbi's early-season struggles for game time — he has played just 30 minutes in the Premier League so far this campaign — suggest he has already slipped down the pecking order regardless of any transfer interest. Should he leave before the Europa League knockout stages, UEFA rules would allow Sunderland to add up to three new eligible players to their List A squad by 4 February 2027, provided the club's locally-trained quota is still respected.