Key Points
- Leeds United have shown interest in Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor ahead of the summer transfer window.
- The 25-year-old French-Haitian striker contributed 13 goals in Sunderland’s promotion-winning Championship campaign last season.
- Isidor joined Sunderland on loan from Zenit St Petersburg in summer 2024, with the club paying £5 million to sign him permanently in January 2025.
- Following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, Isidor’s playing time has reduced under manager Regis Le Bris, who prefers Brian Brobbey.
- Sunderland set a £25 million asking price in January 2026, which deterred suitors, but may lower it now.
- Interest in Isidor extends beyond Leeds to clubs including Everton, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Napoli, and Beşiktaş.
- Transfer expert Graeme Bailey stated Leeds are just one of several Premier League clubs monitoring Isidor, with his exit likely if Sunderland fail to stay up.
- Isidor’s contract runs until June 2028, with a Transfermarkt market value of €18 million.
- Sunderland may use sale proceeds to target players like Fulham’s Harry Wilson.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) – May 11, 2026 – Leeds United have placed Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor on their transfer radar as the summer window approaches, amid growing doubts over the striker’s future at the Stadium of Light. The 25-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion from the Championship, has seen his minutes limited in the Premier League this season. Reports from multiple sources confirm Leeds’ interest, positioning them among several clubs eyeing the versatile attacker.
- Key Points
- Why Is Leeds United Interested in Signing Wilson Isidor?
- What Is Wilson Isidor’s Background at Sunderland?
- Which Clubs Are Linked with Wilson Isidor Besides Leeds United?
- How Has Isidor’s Form and Market Value Evolved?
- What Factors Could Influence a Potential Transfer?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction: Impact on Leeds United Fans and Stakeholders
Why Is Leeds United Interested in Signing Wilson Isidor?
Leeds United’s scouting team has reportedly identified Isidor as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
As noted by The Sun, the Whites are planning ahead despite recent form from forwards like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Isidor emerging as a realistic target should he become available.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey, speaking to Sunderland AFC News, clarified the landscape:
“Leeds just one to take an interest. There is interest from a number of Premier League clubs in him, they are watching and like what he has done.”
Bailey added that Isidor
“won’t be leaving Sunderland if they go up. No chance. But if they fail to win promotion, you can’t rule it out.”
This was in reference to earlier Championship contexts, but aligns with current Premier League struggles.
Isidor’s form last season—13 goals in the Championship—makes him appealing for Leeds, who seek depth in forward positions. TransferFeed reports confirm Leeds monitoring him alongside their broader summer plans.
What Is Wilson Isidor’s Background at Sunderland?
Sunderland signed Isidor on loan from Zenit St Petersburg in the summer of 2024, activating a clause to buy him permanently for £5 million in January 2025. The forward fired the Black Cats to promotion in his debut campaign, scoring 13 goals.
Post-promotion, however, his role diminished. TransferFeed states:
“Wilson Isidor is prepared to leave Sunderland this summer, having had his game time reduced following Sunderland’s promotion, with manager Regis Le Bris preferring Brian Brobbey in the forward position.”
In recent league action, Isidor has managed just 64 minutes, per video reports on Dailymotion.
Sunderland’s January 2026 asking price of £25 million stalled deals, but sources suggest a price drop is likely. His contract extends to June 2028, with a €18 million Transfermarkt valuation.
Which Clubs Are Linked with Wilson Isidor Besides Leeds United?
Interest in Isidor spans multiple leagues. Sky Sports, via TransferFeed, reported Nottingham Forest and Everton’s interest, noting Isidor “is not favoured at the club.” Everton made an enquiry for the 25-year-old French attacker to strengthen their options.
TransferFeed further links Ipswich Town, viewing his top-flight experience as ideal for a centre-forward role. January suitors included Napoli and Beşiktaş, with the Turkish club preparing a €15 million bid against Sunderland’s then-£35 million (€41 million) demand.
Earlier, Sunderland AFC News mentioned Spurs and Crystal Palace scouts at Elland Road, though focused on other players; Bailey hinted at broader top-flight attention. TransferFeed also notes Aston Villa’s prior connection. Dailymotion sources indicate Everton’s January push was blocked mid-season, with Isidor set to force a summer exit for regular football.
How Has Isidor’s Form and Market Value Evolved?
Isidor, a Haitian international with two caps, transitioned from Zenit to Sunderland for €6 million in February 2025. His Championship exploits elevated his profile, but Premier League adaptation has been tough.
TransferFeed valuations reflect this: €12 million in late 2025, rising to €18 million now, tempered by his bench role. Sunderland may reinvest proceeds, with links to Fulham’s Harry Wilson.
No direct quotes from Isidor appear in reports, but his reduced role speaks volumes. Leeds’ interest, per Leeds All Over, fits their need for proven Championship performers.
What Factors Could Influence a Potential Transfer?
Sunderland’s Premier League survival is key, per Bailey: promotion security keeps Isidor, relegation opens doors. Price negotiations will be crucial; £25 million proved too high, and Beşiktaş’s €15 million bid sets a benchmark.
Leeds, under pressure to compete, view Isidor’s versatility—capable as striker or wide—as a fit. Competing interest from Everton, Forest, and others could drive up fees.
Reports emphasise his desire for first-team action, with Dailymotion noting a push for permanent transfer. All sources agree: summer 2026 is decision time.
Background of the Development
Wilson Isidor’s journey to Sunderland began with a loan from Zenit St Petersburg in summer 2024, culminating in a permanent £5 million move in January 2025 after his 13-goal Championship haul secured promotion. The 25-year-old French-born Haitian, with two international caps, impressed enough to draw early Premier League eyes. However, Regis Le Bris’ preference for Brian Brobbey post-promotion sidelined him, sparking exit talk by early 2026. January’s £25 million price tag halted moves from Everton and others, but his €18 million valuation and contract to 2028 position him for a summer reshuffle. Leeds’ radar entry reflects their strategy for cost-effective, proven talent amid Championship promotion pushes in prior years.
Prediction: Impact on Leeds United Fans and Stakeholders
This development could provide Leeds United fans with optimism for squad reinforcement, offering a familiar face from recent rivalries who knows English football’s intensity. Should a deal materialise at a reduced fee below £20 million, it eases financial pressures while adding goal threat and versatility, potentially stabilising attack amid promotion bids. Rivals like Everton or Forest pursuing Isidor might inflate costs or spark bidding wars, delaying Leeds’ plans and testing supporter patience. For stakeholders, success hinges on Sunderland’s relegation fate; an exit boosts transfer funds for targets like Harry Wilson, indirectly shaping market dynamics. Failure to act risks missing a window for a player adapting to top-flight scrutiny, leaving fans anticipating alternatives.
