Ipswich Town Reach Verbal Agreement for Wilson Isidor as Gary O’Neil Pushes for Striker

Ipswich Town have reportedly made significant progress in their pursuit of Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, with the Tractor Boys understood to have reached a verbal agreement over a deal worth an initial €14 million.

The move would represent a major statement of intent from Ipswich and manager Gary O’Neil, who is keen to add another quality striker to his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Isidor has become one of the most sought-after forwards this summer following his performances for Sunderland. The French striker has attracted interest from several clubs, but Ipswich have now taken decisive steps to try and win the race for his signature.

According to Italian journalist Luca Bendoni, Ipswich have made an offer for Isidor and are now in a strong position to complete the transfer. The initial deal is understood to be worth around €14m, with discussions expected to continue over the player’s personal terms.

O’Neil is believed to be a major driving force behind Ipswich’s interest.

The manager is keen to strengthen his attacking options and sees Isidor as a player capable of providing the goals, physicality and movement required to lead the line. His ability to operate across the forward positions is also viewed as an important advantage as Ipswich prepare for the challenges ahead.

The proposed transfer fee would make Isidor one of Ipswich’s significant investments of the summer, highlighting the club’s ambition under O’Neil.

Isidor’s future has been the subject of increasing speculation in recent weeks, with Sunderland prepared to consider selling the striker if a suitable offer arrives. His performances have made him an attractive target, and the Black Cats could now be faced with the prospect of losing one of their important attacking players.

West Ham have also reportedly shown interest in the forward, particularly as they look to strengthen their squad and improve their attacking options. However, Ipswich’s latest move could give them an advantage in the race.

The Tractor Boys are understood to have moved quickly after identifying Isidor as a preferred target, with O’Neil keen to get the deal completed.

While the agreement between the clubs is an important step, the transfer is not yet fully completed. Ipswich will still need to negotiate Isidor’s salary and personal terms before the deal can be formally finalised.

Those discussions could prove crucial.

The €14m fee gives Sunderland a strong incentive to accept the proposal, but Ipswich must now convince the player that Portman Road is the right destination for the next stage of his career.

For O’Neil, securing Isidor would provide another major attacking option and potentially allow Ipswich to operate with greater flexibility going forward.

The manager wants his side to be competitive and has been working to build a squad capable of meeting the club’s ambitions. Adding a striker with Isidor’s profile would therefore fit directly into the manager’s plans.

The French forward has demonstrated his ability to compete physically, run in behind defences and contribute in front of goal. Those qualities have made him an attractive proposition for Ipswich, particularly with O’Neil looking for players capable of making an immediate impact.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will have to assess whether the financial package is enough to sanction the striker’s departure.

For now, Ipswich appear to have made the strongest move.

With an initial €14m agreement reportedly in place and Gary O’Neil pushing for the transfer, the Tractor Boys are increasingly confident of bringing Wilson Isidor to Portman Road.

The final hurdle will be personal terms and the completion of the remaining formalities.

If those negotiations go smoothly, Isidor could soon be unveiled as a major new attacking addition for Ipswich Town — and another important piece of O’Neil’s plans for the season ahead.

Source: Luca Bendoni