Chris Rigg reacts to Wilson Isidor message amid Sunderland exit links
Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor will have a big role to play for Sunderland this season despite links with a move away.
The Black Cats ended their first set of friendlies with a defeat note after losing 1-0 to reigning Portuguese champions Sporting CP.
Noticeably, Swedish striker Victor Gyokeres was absent as his Sporting future remains uncertain with rumours he has been given then green light to join Arsenal.
Regis Le Bris’ side started their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 win over local side South Shields before a 1-1 draw with Spanish side Sevilla.
Sunderland have four more matches to play before they kick-off their Premier League survival campaign hosting West Ham on 16 July.
The North East side will swap sunny Portugal to return to England to play against Hull City as they look to build up rhythm ahead of their long-awaited return to the English top-flight.
Isidor key to Sunderland’s survival hopes
Frenchman Isidor will be vital for Sunderland next season if they stand any chance of beating the drop.
The striker initially told the Chronicle (27 June) that he was close to signing for Brest to play in the Champions League before moving to Tyneside.
Amid transfer speculation linking him with a move away from the club after becoming a permanent transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg in January 2025, the former Monaco man hinted that he will still be a Sunderland player next season.
In an Instagram post (22 July), the 24-year-old is seen looking cheerful in Faro, Portugal with the caption: ‘Just some moments…’
Teammate Rigg, who has himself been linked with a transfer to Tottenham, liked the Frenchman’s post.
Sunderland troubled by Isidor’s form
Football Insider verdict
Barring the departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, the Black Cats have done well to retain most of the talent that helped them in their promotion campaign last season.
The signings of Simon Adingra from Brighton and the permanent deal for Enzo Le Fee are strong indicators of a club with ambition.
Even though he was Sunderland’s top scorer in the Championship 2024-25 with 13 goals, Isidor suffered a goal drought from February to the play-offs.
This lack of goalscoring form will be of concern for Le Bris and Sunderland fans as they will need to count on the forward to notch important goals if they have any chance of staying up.
The number 18 has scored once in two games in pre-season so far, and the Black Cats will hope he can make the step up to the top flight.