Liam Duckstein
Aston Villa are reportedly setting their sights on Wilson Isidor, Sunderland’s in-form French striker, as Unai Emery looks to solve his side’s attacking crisis ahead of the January transfer window.
Isidor’s Rise in the Premier League
The 25-year-old has wasted no time adapting to top-flight football. He’s scored three goals in just 320 minutes of Premier League action this season, including a standout display against Villa in September’s 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
In total, Isidor has featured 53 times for Sunderland, netting 16 goals, and his growing reputation has seen his valuation soar to around £35m. The Black Cats, fighting to cement their place in the top flight, are understandably reluctant to let their new talisman leave mid-season.
Villa’s Attacking Problems
For Villa, the need for reinforcements is clear. Emery’s side have scored just one goal in five league matches, leaving them hovering above the relegation zone. Ollie Watkins, who missed out on a move to Arsenal this summer, has looked short of confidence and was dropped for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Bologna.
With Europa League football demanding squad depth and domestic struggles piling pressure on Emery, Villa’s recruitment team are scouring the market for a reliable finisher. Isidor, with his pace, work rate, and ability to stretch defences, ticks many of the boxes.
Transfer Market Outlook
Reports from Football Insider suggest Villa could make a January approach. However, prising Isidor away from Sunderland will be no easy task. Not only would Villa need to pay a hefty premium on his current value, but they would also need to convince Sunderland to weaken their survival bid.
From a betting perspective, Villa’s struggles in front of goal make them a risky proposition in outright markets until reinforcements arrive. If a deal for Isidor materialises, expect odds on Villa’s survival and top-half finish to shorten significantly.
The Verdict
Isidor is one of the breakout stars of this Premier League season, and his explosive form has put him firmly on Villa’s radar. For Emery, solving the Watkins conundrum is essential, and a £35m gamble on Sunderland’s number nine could be the high-stakes move that defines their campaign.