𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 £𝟮𝟱𝗺 ‘𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿’ 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗼𝗿! 🏟️
By 247sportcity | Tuesday, January 20, 2026
LIVERPOOL – In a move that has sent shockwaves from the Mersey to the Wear, Everton have officially launched an enquiry into the availability of Sunderland’s star striker Wilson Isidor.
According to high-level reports from the Mirror, the Toffees have identified the 25-year-old Frenchman as the missing piece in David Moyes’ attacking puzzle. While Sunderland have slapped a daunting £25 million price tag on their joint-top scorer, Everton’s head of player trading, Nick Hammond, has reportedly placed Isidor at the top of a shortlist designed to save the club’s stuttering season.
The David Moyes Factor: Why Isidor?
Everton’s interest is far from a knee-jerk reaction. David Moyes is reportedly a “huge admirer” of Isidor’s unique blend of explosive pace and tactical versatility. Since Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, Isidor has transitioned seamlessly from the Championship, netting four goals in the opening months of the 2025/26 campaign.
For Everton, the need for a clinical finisher is reaching critical levels. While summer signing Thierno Barry is slowly acclimatizing to the English top flight, fellow striker Beto has endured a nightmare campaign, registering just two goals. With the club desperate to secure a top-half finish, Moyes sees Isidor as the perfect “Plan A” to revitalize a strike force that has often looked toothless in 2026.
The Wearside Dilemma: Sell or Shield?
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris faces a monumental headache. Isidor is an immensely popular figure at the Stadium of Light, and despite a current “goal drought” dating back to late October, he remains a tactical lynchpin. He has started eight of Sunderland’s last nine games, successfully keeping high-profile signing Brian Brobbey on the bench for long stretches.
However, a £25 million bid represents a massive profit on a player Sunderland signed permanently from Zenit for significantly less just 12 months ago. With Sunderland currently sitting comfortably in 10th place, the board must decide if cashing in now is worth the risk of derailing their dream return season.
[Table: Wilson Isidor – Premier League Impact 2025/26]
| Metric | Stat | Note |
| Appearances | 19 | Preferred starter over Brian Brobbey |
| Goals Scored | 4 | Joint-top scorer for SAFC |
| Shots per 90 | 3.04 | Ranks in the 76th percentile of PL forwards |
| Club Valuation | £25,000,000 | Sunderland’s minimum asking price |
| Everton Interest | Enquiry Made | Nick Hammond leading negotiations |
The En-Nesyri Alternative: A Deal in Doubt
The pursuit of Isidor comes as Everton’s secondary target, Fenerbahçe’s Youssef En-Nesyri, looks increasingly unlikely. Negotiating a loan deal with a £17.4 million buy option has reportedly hit a brick wall in Istanbul, with Fenerbahçe demanding a permanent sale or a much higher loan fee.
This breakdown has accelerated the move for Isidor. Unlike En-Nesyri—who has been busy reaching the AFCON final with Morocco—Isidor is match-fit and already proven in the Premier League. For a club like Everton that needs immediate impact, the Frenchman is the far more logical choice.
Sunderland’s Secret Weapon: The Ta Bi Hijack
While the Isidor rumors swirl, Sunderland have not been idle in the market. In a classic “transfer hijack,” the Black Cats confirmed the £3.5 million signing of Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi from Maccabi Netanya.
The 20-year-old was reportedly “hours away” from joining Celtic before Sunderland intervened with a superior financial package and the lure of Premier League football. Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman described Ta Bi as “dynamic and explosive,” a player who thrives on one-on-one attacking duels.
“We will integrate Jocelin patiently,” Speakman noted. “But we believe he has the attributes to be a real fans’ favorite here on Wearside.”
Final Verdict: A High-Stakes Game of Poker
The next 10 days will be a test of nerves. Everton have made the first move, but they are yet to submit a formal club-to-club bid. Sunderland are in no rush to sell, but the “Moyes lure” and the prospect of a massive windfall might prove too tempting for a club that prides itself on smart player trading.
If Isidor makes the move to Goodison Park, it could be the deal that defines David Moyes’ second coming at Everton. If he stays, he has the chance to lead Sunderland toward a shocking European qualification spot.