Isidor & Brobbey upgrade: Sunderland offered chance to sign “elite” striker

Sunderland have made the Stadium of Light a daunting place for opponents since securing promotion to the Premier League.

Régis Le Bris’ side owe much of their current sixth-place standing to a stunning home record, having remained unbeaten in eight league matches on Wearside.

Even league leaders Arsenal were unable to leave with all three points back in November, being held to a pulsating 2-2 draw.

More recently, the Black Cats enjoyed local bragging rights by edging past fierce rivals Newcastle United at home, confidently dispatching Eddie Howe’s side by a single goal.

Despite that success, Sunderland could still be active in the January transfer window if the right opportunity presents itself.

Sunderland handed chance to sign new striker

The Black Cats’ squad is set to be tested over the coming weeks, with Noah Sadiki and Reinildo both away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. As a result, additional reinforcements could prove useful.

Surprisingly, reports from Italy suggest Sunderland may look to strengthen in attack rather than midfield or defence. The Premier League newcomers are said to be among the clubs considering a move for AS Roma striker Artem Dovbyk when the window reopens.

A number of top-flight sides are reportedly monitoring the Ukrainian forward, with West Ham United believed to be eyeing him as a potential replacement for Niclas Füllkrug.

Sunderland are also thought to be firmly in the mix, with Roma sporting director Ricky Massara allegedly offering Dovbyk to Le Bris’ side. That link is strengthened by the presence of Sunderland’s director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, who previously worked at Roma.

This would not simply be a courtesy between old acquaintances, however. Dovbyk’s proven goalscoring record in Italy and across Europe marks him out as a clear upgrade on current options Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey.

Why Dovbyk would raise Sunderland’s level

Although Sunderland are enjoying an impressive league position, goals have not come easily.

They have scored just 19 times in the Premier League so far this season, a tally more in line with struggling sides such as West Ham and Burnley than the teams competing near the top.

Isidor and Brobbey have struggled for consistency in front of goal. The former Zenit St Petersburg forward has gone eight league games without scoring, while Brobbey has managed just two goals all season and failed to register a single shot on target in the Tyne-Wear derby.

Dovbyk, by contrast, has drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland for his explosive finishing ability.

During his time at Girona, he scored 24 goals in 39 appearances while also providing 10 assists, playing a pivotal role in their remarkable third-place finish in La Liga during the 2023/24 campaign.

His “elite” finishing was widely praised, including by European football analyst Zach Lowy.

Since moving to Roma, the La Liga Golden Boot winner has continued to deliver, netting 19 goals in the Italian capital. Even when not at his sharpest this season, he has still managed three goal contributions from just three league starts.

Adding that level of firepower could transform Sunderland’s attack in the second half of the season.

A move for the £19m-rated striker would likely cast doubt over the futures of both Isidor and Brobbey, while giving the Black Cats the cutting edge needed to push on and become a far more dangerous proposition in the Premier League.