AliousFormer Sunderland defender Wes Brown has urged his old club to secure a permanent deal for Wilson Isidor at the end of the season, despite concerns over the potential high cost of the transfer clause negotiated with Zenit St. Petersburg.
### Sunderland’s Struggles and Resurgence
Last season, Sunderland’s lack of a consistent goal threat left them languishing in 16th place. Jack Clarke was the only reliable source of goals, but his departure to Ipswich Town in the summer exacerbated the issue. No striker managed more than two league goals, with Nazariy Rusyn leading the underwhelming tally.
This season, under head coach Régis Le Bris, Sunderland have turned their fortunes around, sitting in fourth place, just three points behind Sheffield United in second. Their attacking prowess has been a driving force in their push for automatic promotion, with Isidor playing a pivotal role since joining on loan from Zenit.
### Wilson Isidor’s Impact
The French striker has quickly become a fan favorite, proving to be a prolific scorer and a dynamic presence in Sunderland’s frontline. With nine open-play goals to his name, he is among the Championship’s most effective forwards, trailing only a handful of players like Borja Sainz and Joel Piroe.
Isidor’s ability to find the net, combined with his pace and sharpness, has transformed Sunderland’s attack. Despite missing two crucial penalties in a recent draw against Burnley, he bounced back with a goal in Sunderland’s 2-2 tie with Plymouth Argyle.
### Brown’s Call for Action
Wes Brown, who made 76 appearances for Sunderland after a trophy-laden spell at Manchester United, believes Isidor is worth the investment. Speaking to *Football League World* on behalf of NewBettingSites.uk, Brown praised the striker’s performances:
> “He’s been instrumental. Every time I’ve watched him, he’s sharp, quick, and knows how to find the back of the net. He’s been vital for Sunderland’s league position. The problem is when a player performs this well, their valuation rises, making it harder to secure their services permanently.”
### Potential Challenges
Sunderland reportedly have an option to make Isidor’s loan permanent, but the exact cost remains unclear. Early reports suggest the price could be steep, and other clubs have expressed interest, potentially sparking a bidding war for the 24-year-old’s signature.
Should Sunderland secure promotion, their enhanced financial position and Premier League status could strengthen their chances of fending off competition. However, if they fail to go up, retaining Isidor could become increasingly difficult.
### The Road Ahead
For now, Sunderland’s focus remains on maintaining their push for promotion, with Isidor’s contributions key to their success. If they achieve their goal, the financial boost and increased appeal of Premier League football could be enough to secure Isidor’s future on Wearside.
Alious
