Leeds United would not be gambling on potential if they pushed hard to sign Wilson Isidor this summer because the Sunderland striker has already shown he can produce at multiple levels.
Daniel Farke has watched him succeed in the Championship, adapt to the Premier League and trouble Leeds directly, which makes the growing interest look entirely justified.
Sunderland made a smart decision when they turned Isidor’s loan spell into a permanent €6m signing after the 2024-25 campaign. The French forward delivered 13 Championship goals during his first season.
During Sunderland – and Leeds’ – promotion year, Isidor became one of Sunderland’s most important attacking players during their successful push for promotion.
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Leeds United are mathematically safe from relegation.
The fact Isidor remains under contract until 2028 means Sunderland are still protected financially, although there is a realistic argument that this summer could become their strongest opportunity to maximise his value before the deal eventually moves toward its final years.
According to French reporter Sebastien Vidal, The Whites are interested in Isidor. But given his contract situation, Leeds would almost certainly need to pay a substantial fee to convince Sunderland to sell.
Vidal posted on X: “Leeds United are closely monitoring the situation of Wilson Isidor ahead of the summer transfer window.
“Sunderland’s forward, who has had a solid season despite irregular playing time, is among the profiles being considered to bolster the attacking sector at Elland Road. Several clubs are also keeping an eye on the 25-year-old player, who is contracted until 2028.”
His Premier League output already compares well with Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Isidor has not looked out of place since Sunderland stepped into the Premier League. He has already scored five Premier League goals despite only starting 11 league matches this season.
The efficiency behind those numbers is what should really attract Leeds because Isidor is averaging a goal every 223 minutes in the Premier League.
Calvert-Lewin’s current return sits at a similar goals-to-minutes rate, which makes it understandable why Leeds could view Isidor as a younger and more dynamic alternative.
There is also a tactical difference between the two forwards. Calvert-Lewin remains most dangerous inside the penalty area, while Isidor offers far more mobility, carries a greater threat in transition.
He looks more suited to the aggressive vertical football Farke prefers from his attacking players.
Daniel Farke has already seen Isidor hurt Leeds first hand
Recruitment departments spend huge amounts of time trying to predict how players will perform against elite opposition, but Leeds already possess direct evidence in Isidor’s case.
The Sunderland striker scored during Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat against Leeds in February 2025 and caused problems throughout the game with his movement and pace.
That experience matters because Farke does not need to rely entirely on scouting clips or statistical models. He has already watched Isidor operate successfully against his own side in a high-pressure environment, which lowers some of the uncertainty that normally surrounds expensive attacking signings.
Would you take Wilson Isidor?
He scored during Leeds' 2-1 win in February 2025.
Leeds would be buying a striker who already fits their football
Leeds are now trying to establish themselves consistently in the Premier League rather than simply survive in it, which means recruitment decisions carry even greater importance.
Leeds secured safety on Sunday, thanks to Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham. Signing players who already look capable of adapting quickly to the intensity of the division is likely to become a major priority.
Isidor increasingly looks like that type of player because he combines physicality with direct running and consistent movement behind defensive lines. His Championship production, encouraging Premier League form and obvious suitability for Farke’s style make him look far more than a short-term option.
There is no guarantee Sunderland will entertain offers seriously, especially after the role Isidor played in promotion and his continued progress this season.
Even so, Leeds’ interest makes complete football sense because the Sunderland forward already looks ready for a bigger stage.
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