“Like Messi” – Wilson Isidor claim issued as Tottenham eye up Sunderland AFC talisman
Wilson Isidor is already attracting attention ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting several Premier League clubs are closely monitoring the Sunderland striker.
Scouts from Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace were reportedly present when he scored his 12th goal of the season against Leeds United on Monday, with both teams impressed by the forward’s performance, despite originally being there to observe Jobe Bellingham.
After making his move from Zenit St Petersburg permanent in January for a reported £5 million, Sunderland faces a challenging task in keeping the 24-year-old beyond the summer, especially if they fail to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
With that in mind, Football League World’s Sunderland fan pundit, Jordan Newcombe, shared his thoughts on the rumors linking Isidor with a move away and what he would consider a fair price for the striker.
Wilson Isidor’s Valuation Amid Tottenham Interest Isidor’s goal against Leeds was another display of his clinical finishing and ability to thrive in front of goal.
He shrugged off Ethan Ampadu’s challenge to find the far corner of the net, helping Sunderland take the lead at Elland Road.
His pace, power, and intelligent movement have caused Championship defenders trouble all season, and it’s no surprise that top-flight clubs are reportedly eyeing him after a run of seven goals in his last 11 appearances.
Currently, Sunderland is eight points off automatic promotion, meaning their hopes of reaching the Premier League may hinge on a successful play-off campaign.
If they fail, Isidor’s future at the club could become uncertain.
While Sunderland might be tempted to cash in, Newcombe believes the striker’s value should remain high, and he wants Isidor to stay at Wearside.
When asked about Isidor’s valuation, Newcombe explained, “It’s hard to give a precise figure without knowing if we get promoted.
We paid around £5 million for him, and if Spurs want him, they could pay anywhere between £20-30 million if they really want him.”
He continued, “Isidor is definitely worth a lot, considering how quickly he’s adapted and how effective he is, especially in tight situations.
He holds defenders off in the box to score goals, like he did against Leeds. I’d want at least £12 million, but honestly, I wouldn’t sell him.”
Spurs Not the Right Fit for Isidor Newcombe firmly believes Isidor should not be sold this summer, regardless of the price.
His contributions have been crucial to Sunderland’s aspirations in the Championship, and letting him go just months after securing him permanently would be difficult for fans to accept.
Even if Isidor were to leave, Newcombe doesn’t consider Spurs a suitable destination for him, pointing out that the London club has often struggled to make the most of their strikers, with Harry Kane being the exception.
He’d prefer to see Isidor show the kind of loyalty Lionel Messi showed at Barcelona.
“I don’t think Spurs are the right club for a striker like Isidor,” Newcombe said. “They’ve had a lot of strikers over the years, and most haven’t lived up to expectations.
Kane is the only one who’s been consistently good, and the other top players in recent years have been players like Gareth Bale and Christian Eriksen.”
“If I were Sunderland, I wouldn’t sell him to Spurs, and I wouldn’t sell him for several years. If he has loyalty like Messi at Barcelona, he might as well stay at Sunderland for the rest of his career.
He’s playing like a top-level striker now, and if he continues improving, he could be even better. I wouldn’t even entertain offers from Spurs.”
