Jocelin Ta Bi: A Rising Star for the 2026/2027 Season?

OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: During the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round clash between Oxford United and Sunderland, Jocelin Ta Bi showcased his abilities on the field. The young player is seen as a promising talent for the upcoming seasons, particularly in light of his performances with the Ivory Coast national team.

Anth Gair expressed confidence in Ta Bi’s potential, stating, “I think all of the signs are that he has the heart to be a footballer at the highest level — he just has to keep this kind of work rate up forever.” While his appearances have been limited, Gair believes that Ta Bi will play a significant role in the team next season, especially as he seems to have recovered well from his injury.

Dean McDonald noted that although Ta Bi has had minimal exposure, his international performances have demonstrated his quality. He remarked, “The goals he’s scored aren’t scored by just any young player — he showed very good composure and quality with a number of those goals.” He anticipates that Ta Bi will contribute as a rotation player, which will be essential given the club's participation in multiple competitions.

Mark Ryan highlighted the club's confidence in Ta Bi by mentioning that he was given an immediate start after joining, which is a strong indicator of his potential. He added that while Sunderland is in need of a dynamic right winger, Ta Bi is poised to gain valuable experience next year.

Matthew Donne also sees promise in Ta Bi, recognizing his skills from past performances despite injury setbacks. He emphasized the importance of Régis Le Bris’s focus on developing young talent, creating an optimistic outlook for Ta Bi’s future with the club.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ta Bi will adapt to the demands of the upcoming season, particularly as he has demonstrated the ability to strike dead balls effectively. With several competitions on the horizon, including the Europa League and domestic cups, there will be opportunities for him to make a mark on the team.