Sunderland supporters have long been warned about getting too attached to loan stars—but when lit up the Stadium of Light during the 2022/23 season, that advice became nearly impossible to follow.
The winger delivered a sensational spell on Wearside, producing moments of brilliance week after week. His impact was so profound that, despite spending just a single season at the club, he remains a fan favourite. A permanent transfer always felt unlikely, yet his performances were so elite that supporters couldn’t help but dream.
🌟 Amad Set the Standard Sunderland Still Chase
At just 20, Amad dominated the Championship, scoring 14 goals and adding four assists—numbers that underlined his class. Since then, Sunderland have struggled to replicate that level of attacking quality out wide. Even players like , who later impressed before moving to , couldn’t quite match the Ivorian’s influence.
Now re-established in the , Sunderland are once again searching for that game-changing spark. But what once looked like a solution has quickly turned into a dilemma.
🔄 From Dream Signing to Second Choice
When made his loan move permanent for £5m last summer, it felt like Sunderland had finally found their “next Amad.” The excitement was real, and expectations were high.
Fast forward less than a year, and that optimism has faded.
Isidor has struggled to cement his place, now playing second fiddle to —who has forcefully claimed the spotlight. Brobbey’s physical dominance and decisive performances, including a crucial derby winner, have made him impossible to ignore.
Under manager , Isidor’s opportunities have been limited. Despite netting 12 goals during the promotion campaign, he has started just 11 Premier League games this season—clear evidence of declining trust.
📉 The Numbers Tell the Story
Even during his promising early spell, warning signs were there. Isidor underperformed his expected goals (xG) and offered limited creativity, registering just two assists. That trend has continued—despite averaging over three shots per game, he has managed only four league goals this season.
His overall contribution hasn’t matched the demands of top-flight football, especially compared to the clinical edge Sunderland now rely on.
🚪 Summer Exit Looming?
With Brobbey quickly becoming a fan favourite and a key figure in Sunderland’s attack, Isidor’s future looks increasingly uncertain. What once seemed like a perfect long-term investment may now turn into a short-lived chapter.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Sunderland could be ready to move on from the player once tipped to follow in Amad’s footsteps—closing the door on a promising story that never quite reached its potential.