CHIDERA EJUKE, Wilfred Ndidi and UMAR SADIQ of Nigeria during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations match between Guinea Bissau and Nigeria at Stade Roumde Adjia (Photo by Imago)
Alaves have been linked to the Super Eagles star this summer, and it they might just make their move soon
Spanish LaLiga club Alaves are favourites to land Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and could try to acquire his services from Real Sociedad very soon, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sadiq’s future has been in the balance for just over a year. The 28-year-old striker looked like one of the brightest emerging strikers in Spanish club football three years ago due to his exploits at Almeria, where he contributed 43 goals and 13 assists in 84 appearances.
So, Real Sociedad broke their transfer record, forking out €20 million for his services. Unfortunately for both parties, the transfer has not gone well.
Sadiq Umar helped off the pitch (Photo by Imago)
Sadiq suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) in just his third game for the club, and that ruled him out of the entire campaign.
In his second season, he still had injury issues. But when he was eventually fit to play, he struggled to deliver. The Nigerian striker had occasional flashes of brilliance, but he failed to sustain it.
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Last season, Sadiq left the Txuri-Urdin midway to join Valencia on loan. And that move paid off, as he played well, contributing six goals in 19 appearances. There were even talks that the club would consider signing him permanently, but they decided against it.
Umar Sadiq Mesbah (Photo credit: imago)
Sadiq is now back at Real Sociedad, but it does not look like the club still want him.
Meanwhile, he has been linked with multiple LaLiga clubs like Alaves and Getafe this summer.
Now, according to Solofichajes, Alaves are set to make a move for Sadiq and are expected to secure his services.
Sadiq Umar: How much do Real Sociedad want for Super Eagles striker?
Real Sociedad paid €20 million for Sadiq Umar three years ago. But with all his struggles, his valued has dropped significantly.
Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar at Real Sociedad (Photo by Imago)
The Super Eagles striker is valued at €5 million on Transfermarkt with three years left on his contract.
However, the Txuri-Urdin are expected to demand more than €5 million before they let go of Sadiq. Still, If he will not play an important role for them next season, Real Sociedad will be eager to get him off their wage bill to make space for another player.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.