Sunderland fans will hope history does not repeat itself with ‘amazing’ strikers sharing eerily similar comments

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From Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe in recent years, to Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips in decades gone by, Sunderland have had their fair share of iconic goalscorers.

Another favourite, in particular, was Asamoah Gyan. However, his stay with Sunderland was short-lived after joining in the summer of 2010 for a then club-record fee.

In the World Cup tournament in South Africa, Gyan scored three goals, including a dramatic extra-time winner against the USA in the Round of 16, propelling Ghana into the quarter-final. Though Ghana eventually lost in the shootout to Uruguay, Gyan’s performances made him a hero in his homeland.

They also put him firmly on the map for Europe’s top clubs, including the Premier League side. Gyan quickly became a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light for his performances and infectious charisma and larger-than-life personality around the training ground.

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Asamoah Gyan comments on Sunderland before abrupt exit

Talking to the media during his time at the club, Gyan explained his love for Sunderland and it appeared as though the star striker would enjoy a long and productive spell with the club, but that did not transpire.

Speaking via Ghana Soccer, Gyan said: “Yeah, they gave me a warm reception. It was amazing. Since I go to Sunderland, especially the fans, anything I do they appreciate it.

“They know how hardworking I am. Even if we lose, you keep on working hard.”

Gyan was unique. He wore the number 33 shirt at Sunderland. It was an unusual choice for a striker, as many wondered why he didn’t opt for the traditional number nine. Gyan later explained that it was due to his personal affinity for the number three, which had significance to him.

This eccentricity only added to his cult status among Sunderland fans, who loved his dancing and idiosyncrasies, as well as his flair both on and off the pitch. It made his departure even harder to take.

In September 2011, it was confirmed that Gyan would leave on a season-long loan to UAE club Al Ain. His sudden departure left a sour taste, with many feeling that Gyan’s move was driven more by financial gain than footballing ambition.

They will hope lightning does not strike twice at the Stadium of Light, given the way in which the fans have now fallen totally in love with Wilson Isidor this season. Gyan left not long after making such claims, and Isidor has made similar comments of his own about the fans.

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Sunderland fans may feel another case of deja vu with Wilson Isidor

The French striker has been a revelation since moving to the North East from Zenit St. Petersburg in the summer.

He initially joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan deal, but his performances in the first half of the campaign were so impressive that Sunderland opted to exercise their option to sign him permanently in January.

Isidor has proven to be a key figure for Sunderland in their promotion push, having instantly made his presence known among Regis Le Bris’ youthful side, marking his first two starts with goals against Watford and Derby County, before displaying two exquisite finishes against Hull City and Oxford United.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	37	24	7	6	52	28	24	77
3	BurnleyBurnley	37	20	15	2	50	11	39	75
4	SunderlandSunderland	37	19	12	6	55	34	21	69
5	West BromWest Brom	37	13	17	7	47	33	14	56

A run of one goal in 10 games followed for the 24-year-old, but he has since got back to his potent best with nine goals involvements in the last 15 games, despite gaining national attention for two penalty misses against Burnley on January 17th after which he was left visibly distraught.

Previous reports claimed that Sunderland had a £3.5 million option to buy Isidor from Zenit, which they have since activated. It has since been revealed via SportTune, that Sunderland paid a fee around the £5 million mark to make the 24-year-old a permanent player at the Stadium of Light.

However, he’s already one of a number of Sunderland players who are simply too good for the Championship, given that Isidor is pushing for the Championship Golden Boot. It means the impetus may go towards maximising their profit above all else if they remain in the second tier for the 2025/26 campaign.

His combination of pace and power, matched with excellent finishing, will no doubt drum up interest from above the Championship, given that Isidor has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Championship.

However, it means they may now find it difficult to retain Isidor if they fall short of achieving promotion, potentially making his stay as short-lived as Gyan’s. With the Frenchman primed to play at a higher level, it could be a question of when, and not if, he leaves.

Although Sunderland supporters will be loving watching Isidor’s exploits in front of goal, there must be a sense that the striker’s output could be the fine line between success and failure this term. But too many goal involvements and outstanding performances will only increase intrigue in his services.

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Wilson Isidor comments on Sunderland future

It was reported by TEAMtalk recently that Sunderland’s promotion rivals Leeds United are eyeing a move for the forward in the event they earn a place in the Premier League. It has also been claimed by Chronicle Live that scouts from Spurs and Crystal Palace were both impressed by the 24-year-old’s showing against Leeds.

Isidor’s comments after signing in January did not indicate a player who looks in any way unhappy, but with his stock on the rise, who knows what the future may hold? He said: “It’s perfect. It’s a match [made] in heaven. I’m really happy.

“I feel favour from the fans of this club and in this city. I knew that it would work. When I feel loved and appreciated, I perform. Playing for Sunderland is perfect. I want to make them [the fans] scream my name all weekend.”

The comments are eerily reminiscent of Gyan, after Isidor agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal, tying him down until the summer of 2028. It makes him one of the signings of the season in the second tier, and as per recent developments, he is already a target for top-flight sides ahead of the summer

Regarding his contract, Sunderland will no doubt hold plenty of cards if summer interest does ignite, especially if Isidor’s rich vein of form continues. They will want to fend off any and all interest because he could become even more of an asset for Le Bris’ side in the coming years, as they had hoped for with Gyan.

The issue is the resale value could go a long way to improving this young side, but also that Isidor could fire them to promotion in 2026 should they miss out this season. They will surely look to do that before even considering selling him on for what would evidently be a very decent profit in the future.