Sunderland to charge premium for Wilson Isidor amid Everton developments – Exclusive
Wilson Isidor is one of the latest stars to be linked with an exit from Sunderland.
Jocelin Ta Bi remains the only winter arrival at the Stadium of Light, with the Black Cats refraining from doing much business this period.
As for the reason behind that, you only have to look at Crystal Palace, who have been forced to fork out almost £85million on Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, the latter of whom has managed just one goal this season in the league.
Several clubs have been on the lookout for a striker this window, with Everton one of those clubs linked with a move to sign Isidor, though the Black Cats have made their stance clear.
Sunderland’s success has afforded them transfer luxury
With 33 points in the bag before February, Sunderland are very unlikely to be relegated. In fact, there’s a case to be made that they could avoid the drop without actually picking up another point this season.
As a result, their business, or lack of it in this instance, has been justified by the reduced pressure to spend big to achieve their goal.
But not only that, Sunderland are under no pressure to sell any of their players, with finance expert Dan Plumley detailing how they are using that to their advantage amid the latest Isidor exit links.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “They probably feel like they’ve earned the right to overcharge.
“If the player came in for around £3million, and, of course, we’ve got a factor in the amortisation and the wage cost, which we won’t get a full handle on, but still, you would anticipate that if it were to be £25m, that’s a significant boost.
“We know that more or less 40 points will keep you safe in most years, and they’re two wins away from that, so there’s no immediate pressure.
“Everton have got the same amount of points as them, so you are selling direct to a rival that you know you are competing with at the minute, so you’re gonna bump up the price for sure.
“Given the way their season has been so far, they’ll certainly feel that they’re under no pressure to sell, and if they are to sell, clubs would have to pay a premium.”
Wilson Isidor exit would open new issue for Sunderland
Isidor’s influence this season has been questionable, despite a good start to the campaign.
Brian Brobbey has taken his spot in the team, and because of his physicality, his role has outgrown anything that Isidor has managed in the Premier League.
However, his exit would force the Black Cats into signing another striker, which, at this stage of the window, is difficult.
Not only are other clubs likely to charge a premium for their own players, but many will downright refuse to do any business until they have replacements sorted.
Sunderland have money to spend, but it looks likely that it will be used in the summer.