Nottingham Forest have expanded their search for a new striker, reportedly making contact regarding Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor as a potential alternative to Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca.
With the February 2nd deadline approaching and Arnaud Kalimuendo departing for Eintracht Frankfurt, Forest are under pressure to find a reliable goalscorer. While Lucca remains a primary target, his poor form in Serie A this season has forced the club to explore other options.
The New Target: Wilson Isidor
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Forest have inquired about the 25-year-old Frenchman. Isidor, once described as a “one-man machine” during Sunderland’s promotion campaign, is currently facing his own challenges:
- Hot Start: He began the Premier League season strongly, scoring in three consecutive home games and netting against Chelsea in late October.
- Recent Slump: He has lost his starting spot and hasn’t scored since October, leading to concerns about his consistency at the top level.
- Transfer Competition: Forest isn’t alone; Everton and several overseas clubs are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Comparing the Options
Forest’s shortlist features several players with varying degrees of form across Europe:
| Target | Current Club | League Goals | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mehdi Taremi | Olympiacos | 8 | Playing in a statistically “weaker” league. |
| Tammy Abraham | Besiktas (Loan) | 7 | High output but playing in Turkey. |
| Evan Ferguson | AS Roma (Loan) | 3 | Finding it difficult to maintain consistency. |
| Lorenzo Lucca | Napoli | 1 | Proven |
The Verdict: A High-Stakes Gamble
While Isidor offers Premier League experience and raw athleticism, some analysts argue he is a “risky” acquisition compared to Lucca. Despite Lucca’s current goal drought, his track record of 12 goals in a top-five league last season provides a level of proven pedigree that Isidor has yet to sustain over a full top-flight campaign.
With multiple names on the table, Forest must decide whether to pivot to the “machine-like” Isidor or finalize the deal for the physical presence of Lucca.
