Exclusive: Aston Villa in hunt to sign Sunderland star in Jan, £35m could seal deal
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Wayne Veysey
Fri 26 September 2025 9:42, UK
Aston Villa are closely monitoring Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants have set their sights on the 25-year-old following his impressive start to life in the Premier League.
Isidor tore Aston Villa to shreds as he scored in last weekend’s 1-1 draw and already has three goals from five top-flight games so far this season.
This comes after he spearheaded Sunderland‘s Premier League return in his debut campaign, which began with a loan that was converted into a £5million permanent deal in January.
Sources have told Football Insider that Isidor is now valued at around the £35million mark by Sunderland.
Villa have scored just one Premier League goal so far this season and have made it a priority to add more firepower when the mid-season window arrives.
Wilson Isidor has emerged as a target for Aston Villa.
(Credit Imago)
The Black Cats have enjoyed a strong start to their Premier League return, with Isidor receiving high praise at Sunderland from fans and teammates alike.
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Villa’s start to the season has been much the opposite, as they are without a win in five league games, having scored just once as pressure continues to ramp up.
Ollie Watkins has had a shocking start to the season following constant speculation about his future during the summer as Villa planned to strengthen up front.
Unai Emery’s side were heavily linked with moves for the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin during the summer as they eyed numerous attacking targets.
Credit: Imago
Despite having ultimately failed to get a deal over the line, Villa remain keen to add a new striker, and Isidor has been catapulted up their list of targets after his impressive form.
Villa’s search for a new striker is believed to have had an immediate impact on Watkins’ performances and his long-term future at Villa Park.
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 16 September that Watkins is unhappy at Aston Villa and was keen to move to Arsenal during the summer.
The striker has yet to find the net so far this season with Aston Villa now goalless in four games in a “disaster” start to the season for Emery.
Ollie Watkins is believed to be unhappy at Aston Villa.
(Credit Imago)
Watkins has been slammed for his displays, following a turbulent summer at Villa Park where he was heavily linked with a move away from the club.
Football Insider revealed in July that Aston Villa made clubs aware of Watkins’ availability, with the likes of Arsenal, Man United and Newcastle all heavily linked.
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