Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq’s future at Real Sociedad is in doubt after the club left him out of their summer tour to Japan. This latest decision could mark the beginning of the end for the 28-year-old at the Spanish club.
Sadiq, who arrived from Almería in 2022 in a deal worth €20 million, has struggled to meet expectations due to injuries and form issues.
After being sent on loan to Valencia in the second half of last season, where he scored six times in 19 games, many expected him to fight for a fresh chance back at Sociedad. But the club’s new coach, Sergio Francisco, appears to have other plans.
Instead of traveling with the squad to Asia, Sadiq stayed behind and was also left out of their first pre-season match in France. Reports in Spain now suggest that he is not part of the club’s plans for the coming campaign.
The striker has been training on his own as Sociedad look for ways to move him on before the transfer window shuts. He still has two years left on his contract, but the club is said to be actively open to offers.
Valencia have not fully walked away. They are still keeping an eye on Sadiq but may wait until the final days of the window, hoping that Sociedad reduce their asking price of around €8 to €9 million. Valencia’s recruitment head, Miguel Corona, is said to admire the player, though financial limits remain an issue.
Meanwhile, Almería could come knocking again. The club still remembers how Sadiq’s goals helped them win promotion to La Liga in 2022.
Although they now play in the second tier and cannot spend as freely, they may try to strike a cut-price deal. But Sadiq’s high salary and interest in staying in La Liga could create complications.
There is also light interest from Turkish side Samsunspor and Spanish outfit Elche. However, no firm offers have been made public.
