Sunderland AFC stumbling block emerges in potential Wilson Isidor permanent transfer | OneFootball

Isidor is someone that the Black Cats are keen to recruit on a longer-term basis, but a key issue could prevent them from succeeding in this quest.

Championship side Sunderland are keen to secure a permanent deal for Wilson Isidor, who is currently on loan from Zenit St Petersburg, but the fee to buy the Frenchman is too high for them to consider paying.

This is according to Alan Nixon, who claims that the valuation of the option to buy clause in Isidor's agreed temporary move to the Stadium of Light could end up preventing the Black Cats from tying the French forward down on a longer-term basis.

Isidor has been impressive during his stay at the Stadium of Light.

He may have missed two penalties and a golden chance against Burnley on Friday evening, but he has scored some important goals for Regis Le Bris' side in their promotion quest, and has shown his quality on numerous occasions during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Wearside club has had issues in their striker department for a number of years, ever since Ross Stewart started to pick up injuries.

They may have recruited quite a few players in this area during the 2023 summer window, but that didn't pay dividends, with the likes of Mason Burstow and Nazariy Rusyn struggling for the Black Cats.

Isidor has shown real promise though and could potentially make a real difference between now and the end of the season, as he looks to redeem himself following a disappointing showing at Turf Moor on Friday.

Sunderland could face issue in Wilson Isidor transfer quest

According to Nixon, the Black Cats are very keen to recruit the player permanently, having seen him impress on numerous occasions this season.

However, Zenit's asking price could be too high, the same journalist believes.

As well as this, other clubs have taken an interest in the 24-year-old after seeing him thrive at the Stadium of Light, so Le Bris' side may have to win a bidding war and pay a high price if they want to keep their current loanee for the long term.

Sunderland should look to continue Wilson Isidor permanent pursuit

Isidor has been brilliant on several occasions this season, and at 24, he still has room to grow.

His solo goal against Hull City showcases just how good he can be when in top form.

Though he may have disappointed against the Clarets, his goal against Sheffield United shows that he can step up in big games, and he could be very important for the Black Cats in their quest to finish in the top six.

Thankfully for Le Bris' side, they look set to retain him for the remainder of the season.