David Prutton has emphasised the importance of securing Wilson Isidor on a permanent contract for Sunderland.

The forward signed on loan from Zenit St Petersburg last summer, and the loan became permanent in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has a contract with the Black Cats until the summer of 2028, providing them a strong bargaining position heading into the summer. Teamtalk claimed in late February that Leeds United had nominated Isidor as a prospective possibility, implying that Sunderland may have to struggle to keep him next season.

David Prutton gives Wilson Isidor transfer verdict

Prutton believes Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda’s relationship is beneficial to Régis Le Bris. He lauded the Sunderland squad as a whole for being so personable, using Isidor’s penalty misses against Burnley as an example. “It was crucial to be able to secure him,” Prutton told Football League World. “Eliezer Mayenda has demonstrated his full range of capabilities. “So hopefully, if you’re of a Sunderland persuasion, that ability of those two players to keep pushing on, keep each other eager to score goals, to lead the line for Sunderland, means you’ve got a very healthy rivalry which scores the goals that either manages to have you gatecrash the top two, or stands in you good stead for what the play-offs potentially could throw your way.

“We saw an emotional Wilson against Burnley, missing those two penalties, we saw him putting that resolutely to bed by getting himself back on the score sheet.

“And I think he’s a great part of a very likeable Sunderland side.

“Yes, we talk about how young they are, yes we talk about a new manager in Régis Le Bris who is new to English football.

“So much to like about them.”

Prutton makes Sunderland promotion fight claim

Prutton believes Sunderland’s striker options will be critical to their promotion quest throughout the season, and that they will compete with the best in the division in their bid to return to the top flight. “Again, where does the expectation stand? The team led by Tony Mowbray that advanced to the play-off semi-finals was subsequently replaced; there were some mistakes,” he added. “But they certainly have a team capable of competing with the best in the division. “They showed character last time out against Sheffield Wednesday and are still in contention for the top two spots. “It’s only those two possibly moving objects in Burnley, Sheffield United and Leeds in front of them and no doubt Wilson Isidor is a key part of that.”

Sunderland are currently fourth in the Championship table, eight points adrift of second place Sheffield United.

Tying down Isidor was great business

Isidor came onto the scene with a great run of form at the start of the season and has maintained it admirably, so it’s no wonder that clubs such as Leeds are interested. Tying him down to a long-term contract might be important for Sunderland, who could have been overtaken in the summer if he had remained on loan. He’s proven to be a valuable and versatile member of the club, and his contributions have been critical to their promotion campaign. If he continues to perform well at the end of the season, Sunderland has a good chance of returning to the Premier League.

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