Sunderland’s hunt for a prolific striker has been a challenging journey, with mixed results in recent transfer windows. Last season, new additions Mason Burstow and Nazariy Rusyn struggled to find the back of the net, leaving the Black Cats short on firepower. However, Wilson Isidor, on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg, appears to be the spark Sunderland needed. The Frenchman has quickly made his mark, netting four times in just ten Championship games, and giving Sunderland a renewed sense of hope up front. Yet, his temporary status raises concerns about whether he will stay long-term or leave Sunderland searching for answers once again.
The club’s current form also highlights the impact of Ross Stewart’s departure, whose goal-scoring heroics led Sunderland through many pivotal moments. Although his move to Southampton initially seemed a promising step up, injuries have derailed his progress, diminishing his market value and goal-scoring confidence. Now, Sunderland’s focus shifts to harnessing Isidor’s potential as they set their sights on a long-awaited return to the Premier League.