"Spurs is a problem" - Pundit backs Sunderland AFC ace to join Leeds United or Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Wilson Isidor impressed enough on an initial loan spell for Sunderland to sign the striker permanently midway through the campaign

Pundit Carlton Palmer believes Sunderland will have to earn promotion via the play-offs in order to keep stars such as Wilson Isidor.

The Black Cats have been somewhat surprise contenders for Championship promotion in the 2024/25 campaign.

Regis Le Bris' side have been holding their weight against Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Burnley, sides still backed by parachute payments following recent relegations from the Premier League.

Striker Isidor has proven a key figure for Sunderland in their promotion push, but Palmer fears a summer departure if the Black Cats do not reach the Premier League.

Carlton Palmer: Sunderland’s hopes of keeping Wilson Isidor hinge on promotion

Former AS Monaco talent Isidor arrived on Wearside in the summer from Russian club Zenit on an initial loan.

So impressive was Isidor, the Black Cats decided to take up the option included in the original transfer during the January transfer window.

Sunderland paid a reported fee around the £5million mark to make the 24-year-old a permanent player at the Stadium of Light.

But Palmer feels that the Frenchman could be on the move this summer, with Premier League clubs credited with an interest in Isidor.

Sunderland’s promotion rivals, league leaders Leeds United, have also been linked to the forward.

Former Sheffield Wednesday man Palmer feels that after Sunderland’s defeat to Leeds last time out, the Black Cats’ only option for promotion is now via the play-offs – before sharing how they will likely have to win at Wembley to keep Isidor at the Stadium of Light.

Palmer exclusively told FLW: “Spurs, Leeds and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor.

“He’s having a fantastic time at Sunderland. He’s settled down now, he’s scored 12 league goals this season.

“He was outstanding against Leeds United in that defeat for Sunderland.

“The defeat for Sunderland sees them eight points behind Sheffield United in second place, so automatics are gone now.

“As I said at the start of the season, I fancied Leeds and Sheffield United to go up. I think that’s done and dusted now.

“But they’re on 62 points, and they should be guaranteed on that number of points, a play-off place. They’ve still got plenty of games to go.

“He’s been outstanding for them, he’s only 24. He’s shown great composure with his finishing.

“He’s really impressed with his attitude. But he’s under contract until 2028.

“So obviously the problem that Sunderland have got is that they will have to wait until the end of the season, because they will be in the play-offs.

“A lot of their young players will be coveted by Premier League clubs.

“Obviously, one or two will leave if they don’t get promotion.”

Long contract allows Sunderland to ask for healthy fee for Wilson Isidor

Despite believing Isidor to be a number of talents Sunderland could potentially lose in the event of missing out on promotion, Palmer felt that the Black Cats would be in a strong position when it came to negotiations.

That is because Isidor agreed a three-year deal upon his permanent signature, tying him down at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2028.

Palmer continued: “Sunderland are in the driving seat, with long contract on many of these players. They can set the asking price for Isidor.

“Obviously, if you leave a football club you want to play. You want to look at how that club fits into your style of play.

“Spurs is a problem, because Spurs will be looking to spend big and bring big players in, so his gametime would be limited.

“But Leeds and Crystal Palace – Crystal Palace we know, they sign good young players, they do well and eventually get sold on.

“Leeds getting promoted, that would be a fantastic move for them, for both parties, because he would get gametime and he has shown his composure.

“Leeds will need quality to stay up, when they eventually do get promotion sealed.”