STRIKER WARS: Everton and Nottingham Forest Locked in Late-Window Battle for Sunderland Outcast Wilson Isidor
By 247sportcity | Thursday, January 22, 2026
EVERTON & NOTTINGHAM – As the January transfer window enters its final, frantic week, a familiar narrative is beginning to unfold in the bottom half of the Premier League. Survival in the top flight is rarely built on defensive solidity alone; more often than not, it is secured by the team that finds a clinical edge in front of goal. This winter, two of the division’s most storied clubs—Everton and Nottingham Forest—have identified a common solution to their scoring woes: Sunderland’s enigmatic Frenchman, Wilson Isidor.
According to a report by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, the race for the 25-year-old forward is heating up. With both clubs desperate to bolster their attacking ranks but constrained by varying financial and tactical pressures, Isidor has emerged as the “wildcard” target that could decide the fate of the relegation dogfight.
The Scouting Report: Who is Wilson Isidor?
Wilson Isidor arrived at Sunderland with a reputation for pace, versatility, and an innate ability to find pockets of space in the final third. Early in the 2025/26 campaign, it appeared that the former Zenit and Monaco man was destined for a breakout season. He managed to notch four Premier League goals in a blistering start, but as the autumn leaves fell, so did his form.
Isidor has not found the back of the net since October, a dry spell that has seen him plummet down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light. Despite a contract that runs until 2028, the Frenchman now finds himself as the “forgotten man” in the Northeast. However, his physical profile—standing 6’1″ with a direct running style—remains highly attractive to Premier League managers who believe they can unlock the potential that was so evident just months ago.
Everton’s Dilemma: The Loan Market Specialist
At Goodison Park, the mandate from the board has been clear: find firepower, but don’t break the bank. Everton’s precarious financial position means that “spending big” is off the table. Sean Dyche’s former club has spent the majority of the window scouring the loan market for a center-forward who can provide competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
While Everton were the first to “enquire” about Isidor’s availability earlier this week, there are conflicting reports about their commitment to the deal. Insiders suggest that while the club is “keen,” they are not currently “actively pursuing” Isidor as their primary choice. This hesitation stems from a desire to see if higher-profile targets become available on deadline day. However, in the high-stakes world of Premier League recruitment, hesitation often leads to heartbreak.
[Table: The Striker Shortage — Comparing the Contenders]
The urgency for a new forward is backed up by the grim reality of the Premier League scoring charts.
| Team | Current League Standing | Goals Scored | Primary Striker Concern |
| Nottingham Forest | 16th (5pts above drop) | 2nd Lowest in PL | Recent injury to Igor Jesus |
| Everton | 15th | 18th in PL | Over-reliance on DCL |
| Wilson Isidor | Sunderland (Outcast) | 4 Goals | No goals since October |
The “Dyche Desperation” Factor
While Everton weigh their options, Nottingham Forest may be forced to act with far more urgency. Managed by the pragmatist Sean Dyche, Forest find themselves in a statistical nightmare. Currently, only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than the Reds this season.
The situation in Nottingham has shifted from “concerning” to “critical” following the recent injury concerns surrounding summer signing Igor Jesus and the lack of depth following the departure of Arnaud Kalimuendo. Dyche knows better than anyone that “grit” and “defensive blocks” can only take a team so far; without a focal point to lead the line, Forest are staring down the barrel of a return to the Championship.
As Downie reported on X: “Everton and Nottingham Forest have enquired on Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor. No concrete approach has been made, as both clubs are waiting and/or considering other targets.”
However, the “waiting game” is a luxury Dyche might not have. Forest sit just five points above the relegation zone, and with a daunting run of fixtures ahead, the need for a player like Isidor—who can play across the front three and stretch defenses with his speed—is becoming undeniable.
Overseas Interest: A Global Race
It isn’t just a two-horse race between the Toffees and the Trees. Downie also noted that Isidor has attracted significant interest from “multiple clubs overseas.” Teams in France’s Ligue 1 and Germany’s Bundesliga are reportedly monitoring the situation, aware that a player of Isidor’s pedigree might be available on a favorable loan-to-buy structure given his current standing at Sunderland.
This international interest adds a layer of complexity to the deal. If Everton or Forest want their man, they cannot afford to wait until the final hours of February 2nd. If a European club makes a firm offer, Isidor may opt for a return to the continent rather than fighting a relegation battle in the North of England.
Tactical Fit: How Isidor Slots In
How would Wilson Isidor fit into the systems at Goodison or the City Ground?
- For Everton: He would provide the “running power” that the Toffees often lack when playing a low block. His ability to transition quickly from defense to attack makes him a perfect foil for a team that relies on counter-attacking football.
- For Nottingham Forest: Dyche typically prefers a physical “target man,” but his recent tactical shifts suggest he is looking for more mobility. Isidor’s versatility means he could play alongside a traditional striker or as a lone forward in a 4-5-1 setup.
The Final Verdict: Who Blinks First?
The “Isidor Saga” is a perfect microcosm of the January window. It is a story of a talented player in need of a fresh start and two clubs in need of a savior.
If Everton continue to wait for a “bigger fish,” they risk seeing Isidor flourish under Dyche at Forest—a scenario that would be particularly bitter for the Everton faithful given Dyche’s history with the club. Conversely, if Forest move too early and Isidor fails to break his goal drought, they will have wasted a vital squad spot on a gamble that didn’t pay off.
One thing is certain: Wilson Isidor is “one to watch.” Whether he ends up in the Blue of Merseyside or the Red of Nottingham, the 25-year-old has the weight of a Premier League survival mission resting on his shoulders. With the clock ticking, the question isn’t just who wants him more—it’s who is brave enough to make the first move.