Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has expressed excitement at the development made by Super League Eagles international Umar Sadiq, since his loan move to Valencia in January.
Sadiq’s journey to Valencia
The Nigerian international joined Real Sociedad on a six-year deal from Almeria in September 2022 after impressing at previous club Almeria.
However, the 28-year old suffered a devastating Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, just days after making his debut for the Basque side.
Sadiq left the club earlier in January due to lack of playing time and inconsistencies, securing a loan move to Los Ches until the end of the season, where he has contributed to six goals in 15 appearances in all competitions.
What Aperribay said:
Speaking in an interview, the Real Sociedad president lauded the Super Eagles striker for hos remarkable upturn in form, which has led to rumors of Valencia being interested in securing his services on a permanent basis.
“Valencia has a purchase option on Sadiq. I’m very happy with the level he’s showing. We have to wait for the deadlines,” Aperribay said, per Radio Marca.
What next for Sadiq?
The 28-year old has been praised by Valencia’s coach Carlos Corberan after series of impressive performances leading to speculations of a stay beyond the end of the season.
“I have three great forwards because Sadiq is showing it. Hugo has shown it, but he is not available at the moment. The same goes for Rafa Mir. I have absolute and full confidence in the three forwards we have.
I think that Sadiq today exemplifies what the game was like. A game with mistakes at times. And with the mentality to recover from those situations that he had. A game of not losing faith, of assistance, until achieving the objective”, Corberan said last month.
With the club possessing an option to buy at the end of the season, though not mandatory, Sadiq’s brilliance might pave a way for a permanent departure from Real Sociedad at about €10 million.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
