As Aston Villa grapple with a rocky start to the season and mounting pressure on Unai Emery, the club is already eyeing reinforcements for the January transfer window. Reports suggest that Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor is firmly on Villa’s radar as the Midlands club looks to address its attacking shortcomings. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho—one of Villa’s deadline-day additions—is facing a stern career wake-up call.
Villa’s Stuttering Start Sparks Urgent Transfer Plans
Aston Villa’s failure to secure a Champions League spot on the final day of last season has triggered a domino effect. With Financial Fair Play restrictions hampering their summer activity, the club was relatively quiet in the transfer market—something now reflected in their current Premier League standing.
Sporting director Monchi has already paid the price, replaced by Roberto Olabe following what’s been deemed an underwhelming recruitment strategy. Despite a morale-boosting Europa League win over Bologna, Villa remain in the relegation zone, and Unai Emery is under intense scrutiny ahead of their upcoming clash with Fulham.
Wilson Isidor Emerges as January Target
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are preparing to bolster their front line by targeting Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor. The 23-year-old Frenchman has been in red-hot form this season, significantly boosting his market value.
Villa are said to be “closely monitoring” Isidor’s progress, with Sunderland reportedly setting a £35 million price tag on the forward. Given Villa’s lack of attacking firepower so far this season, a move for Isidor could be pivotal to turning things around.
Sancho Faces Reality Check at Villa Park
Jadon Sancho arrived at Villa Park on loan from Manchester United in a late summer swoop, but early performances have drawn criticism. Former striker and pundit Dean Saunders didn’t mince words when offering advice for the out-of-form winger.
“He used to be electric at Dortmund—taking players on, scoring, assisting,” Saunders remarked. “Now, he’s lost that edge. If I were Emery, I’d tell him: beat your man, deliver crosses, score goals, and defend when we don’t have the ball. That’s your job.”
Saunders emphasized consistency and work ethic, insisting Sancho must prove himself week in, week out. “You can’t walk around like you’re Pele or Maradona. Sancho has the talent, but if he doesn’t put in the work, he’ll find himself out of the starting eleven.”
Villa’s Season at a Crossroads
With attacking reinforcements potentially arriving in January and key players like Sancho under pressure to deliver, Aston Villa’s season could go in either direction. A win against Fulham could offer breathing space, but it’s clear the club is already planning for a more aggressive second half of the campaign—starting with the pursuit of Wilson Isidor.
