West Ham's transfer hopes dim as Sunderland lock in Isidor

Sunderland have confirmed that Haitian international striker Wilson Isidor has signed a new long‑term contract at the Stadium of Light, extending his stay until 2030. The deal, announced just days before the summer transfer deadline, removes the player from the list of targets for Championship side West Ham United.

Why Sunderland secured Isidor

Isidor arrived on loan from Zenit St Petersburg at the start of the 2024/25 season and made the move permanent in early 2025. He scored 13 Championship goals last season and added six more the term before, despite starting only 11 Premier League games, helping Sunderland clinch UEFA Europa League qualification.

Consequences for West Ham

West Ham have struggled in the EFL Championship, remaining winless in their first two matches and sitting behind newly‑relegated Burnley after a 2‑1 loss to Charlton Athletic. With the transfer deadline at 11 PM on Tuesday, September 1st, the loss of Isidor narrows their options for bolstering the frontline.

West Ham's wider market moves

The Hammers have already broken the Championship fee record with the £22 million signing of Arne Engels and secured Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds United with an obligation‑to‑buy clause. Yet without Isidor, manager Nuno Espírito Santo will have to rely on existing options such as Manor Solomon and other incoming strikers.

“I’m very happy to continue my journey with Sunderland. This club has given me some great memories already, and I feel there is still a lot more to achieve here,” Isidor said. “Playing in the Premier League and representing Haiti at the World Cup have been special moments for me, and now I’m focused on continuing to improve, helping the team and giving everything I can for the supporters.”

Action Images By Benedict Ferraby AM GMT+1 is an EFL‑accredited writer and sub‑editor for FLW, covering all three divisions whilst strongly focusing on developments at Hull City and Birmingham City.

Benedict graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2024, before achieving a Merit in MA Sports Journalism at Coventry University in 2025.

He previously covered Rugby League and Football across the lower tiers, and worked as an intern with Wolves' Academy between 2023 and 2025.

Us fans can try to catch his next appearance at St Le stadium.