JERUSALEM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Football talent Jocelin Ta Bi has joined English Premier League side Sunderland after leaving Israeli team Hapoel Petah Tikva, the two clubs announced in separate statements on Friday.
The 20-year-old right winger, born in Cote d'Ivoire, signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Sunderland, currently 10th in the Premier League, with an option for an additional year.
Sunderland and Ta Bi's parent club, Maccabi Netanya of the Israeli Premier League, from which he was loaned to Petah Tikva, did not disclose the transfer fee.
However, Israeli media outlets reported that Sunderland paid 3.5 million pounds (4.68 million U.S. dollars) for the player.
Ta Bi moved to Israel at the age of 18 in search of a youth team and, after trials with several clubs, joined Beitar Tubruk, an academy known for developing young talent.
Following a successful season, he signed for Netanya and was then loaned to Petah Tikva, which was in Israel's second division at the time.
He helped Petah Tikva earn promotion to the top flight and has contributed two goals and two assists in 12 matches this season in the Israeli Premier League.
"Playing in the English Premier League has always been a dream of mine, and I'm incredibly excited for what's ahead," Ta Bi said. "We have some special things ahead at Sunderland, and I'm looking forward to taking this journey together."
He added that he models his game on French-Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, and his footballing idol is Lionel Messi.
Sunderland Sporting Director Krisjaan Speakman said Ta Bi is a "a dynamic and explosive wide player who enjoys attacking duels, primarily from the right side. He is a player with high potential, and we will integrate him patiently into our club."
Hapoel Petah Tikva stated, "Ta Bi was one of the team's most valuable and important players, on and off the field. His abilities, positive personality, connection to the club, and commitment in every minute wearing our blue uniform will be remembered for years." ■
