Wilson Isidor arrived at Sunderland to a bit of fanfare. The French forward, had begun his career at Rennes – who at the time had a coach by the name of R Le Bris – and subsequently had a somewhat meandering career, joining Monaco after leaving Rennes, then heading to Russia, firstly at Lokomotiv Moscow and then Zenit St Petersburg.
Sunderland had infamously had undergone a seemingly never-ending search for a striker since Ross Stewart’s injury 18 months earlier, and the Scotsman’s subsequent departure
had left a gaping hole the likes of Hemir, Naz Rusyn and Mason Burstow never really looked like being capable of filling.
Upon Isidor’s arrival on a season-long loan, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Wilson’s a mobile and athletic forward, who possesses senior experience and a healthy goalscoring record at the top level. We feel he’s a good fit with our playing identity and he has the attributes to help the team in forward areas. He’s excited to be here and we look forward to helping him settle in.”
He made his debut away at Portsmouth, coming off the bench to replace Patrick Roberts, and got minutes away at Plymouth and at home to Middlesbrough before being given a start away at Watford. He struck a full debut goal with a lovely finish that suggested he possessed a goalscoring instinct – and we all looked forward to seeing him in action from the off at the Stadium of Light.
Two years ago today, we faced Paul Warne’s Derby County, and at this point we were still wondering how it was all going to go under our new manager. Le Bris had got off to a good start, however defeats at Plymouth and Watford had tempered expectations a little. Still, 15 points from a possible 21 was great going, particularly after what we’d endured from January to May, and with Isidor making his full home debut, expectation was high.
That expection proved to be well founded. First, Jobe scored a cracking goal, firing into the top corner from 25 yards to break the deadlock. Then in the second half, Isidor once again showed that goalscoring instinct, tapping in after good work from Romaine Mundle.
Since then, Isidor’s had waves of seriously good form, followed by little spells where things haven’t seemed to really go for him – but he has proved himself to be an exceptionally good player, one with huge potential that’s not yet been completely fulfilled.
Since his poacher goals against Watford and Derby, we’ve rarely seen that side of him; Chelsea away last season being a rare exception. Instead, his goals have generally been pretty impressive – Coventry and Oxford at the Stadium of Light in the months following his arrival stand out, as do his composed finishes away at Boro and Leeds, and his play off strike at Coventry.
Isidor’s loan move was made permanent in early 2025, and after an impressive World Cup during which he scored one too the goals of the tournament against Brazil, he’s since signed a new long term contract as a Premier League player.
He impressed in games last season, scoring early season goals against West Ham, Brentford and Villa, but on occasion found it tough going in the Premier League too, however his positive approach can never be faulted – and this season we’ve seen a new string to his bow, with his hold up play improving beyond recognition.
So here’s to Wilson Isidor on the anniversary of his first Stadium of Light goal – and hopefully we’ll see a lot more from him over the coming seasons, too!
