Sunderland may have received a significant boost in their ongoing search for an attacker this January.
The Black Cats are still working to add firepower to their squad before the transfer window closes. With an injury list that continues to grow, including the absences of Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson, French manager Regis Le Bris has been clear that additional support in the attacking third is necessary.
Although Sunderland had been targeting Tom Cannon from Leicester City and Ben Brereton Diaz from Southampton, it seems they are set to miss out on both players, as they are expected to join fellow promotion hopefuls Sheffield United.
Sunderland have also been considering making Wilson Isidor’s loan move permanent, with the forward having made a significant impact on Wearside. Recent developments suggest Sunderland could be in a stronger position to secure Isidor’s services.
Zenit St Petersburg’s imminent signing of attacker Luiz Henrique could work in Sunderland’s favor. According to Fabrizio Romano, Zenit are set to acquire the Brazilian, who can play across the front line. This move could free up space for Zenit to allow Isidor to leave, provided there’s no release clause in place. Alternatively, it may signal that Zenit are preparing for life without the French forward.
Securing a permanent deal for Isidor should be a top priority for Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, this January. The club is in desperate need of a proven Championship goalscorer, not just for the short-term but for the future. Isidor, who has averaged a goal every three games, has already shown he can fill that role. Given his low potential cost, a permanent deal for him seems like an obvious choice for Speakman.
Isidor has proven to be the best out-and-out striker Sunderland have had since Ross Stewart—when fit—and he’s someone the club must work to keep.
