Real Socieda manager Sergio Francisco has spoken about the uncertainty around Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq.
The coach confirmed that Sadiq is in talks over his future but stressed he is not fully out of the team’s plans.
Francisco shared this update after Sociedad’s game against Valencia at Mestalla. The 28 year old striker did not feature in the squad list for the start of the new La Liga season.
Fans noticed he also does not have a squad number, which fueled more rumors about a possible exit.
“Pending talks, not a farewell”
Francisco tried to calm the speculation. He explained that several players at the club do not yet have a number because they are in discussions over possible moves.
The coach said the final decision on numbers will be made once the transfer window closes.
“Sadiq is in open talks. That does not mean he is not in our plans,” Francisco told reporters. “I cannot say if he will stay or go. We have five players in the same situation. Once the market ends, we will know how to assign the numbers.”
“There are five players who don’t have a number because they have pending negotiations; at the end of the transfer window, we’ll see how we distribute them,” he added.
His words made it clear that Real Sociedad is keeping all options open.
Valencia still pushing for striker
Valencia remains very keen on bringing Sadiq back. The Spanish club wants him on loan after he played for them last season and scored six goals in 19 matches.
Reports suggest that Valencia has already made their interest clear, but Sociedad has not yet given a final response.
For now the striker’s future is in the balance. While Sociedad values him and his contract runs until 2028, the club is also open to transfer talks.
Sadiq’s case is one of several ongoing transfer stories at Real Sociedad. The club is facing decisions about which players to keep and which ones to allow to move on.
Francisco’s comments highlight the uncertainty that often surrounds the final weeks of the transfer window.
For Sadiq, the situation means more waiting. His career path could go in two directions. Either he stays at Sociedad and fights for a place in the team, or he returns to Valencia where he already showed he can deliver goals.
