Super Eagles forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Umar Sadiq, both facing challenges at their respective clubs this season, find themselves reportedly on the move.
Iheanacho has made five appearances for Sevilla in La Liga, starting three of those matches and averaging 54 minutes of play per game. Though he scored once in the Copa del Rey, his opportunities in the league have been limited.
Sadiq, on the other hand, has made eight appearances for Real Sociedad, starting four and averaging just 42 minutes per game. Despite contributing one assist, he has yet to find the back of the net.
With both players struggling to secure regular minutes and reportedly set to depart their current clubs in January, a swap could provide an unlikely solution.
Sadiq has reportedly been offered to Sevilla, a club desperately in need of a physical striker to address their ongoing goal-scoring woes. Meanwhile, Iheanacho, who has struggled to adapt to Sevilla’s tactics under Garcia Pimienta, could find a better fit at Real Sociedad.
Sevilla’s striking woes: Why Sadiq could be the answer
Sevilla has found themselves in a goal-scoring crisis this season, with their forwards failing to register a single goal in 14 league matches. Neither Isaac Romero nor Peque have found the net consistently, and the signing of Iheanacho has yet to produce the expected results.
In this context, a move for Sadiq makes sense for the Nervionenses. The Nigerian’s physicality, aerial presence, and ability to hold up the ball could provide the much-needed spark for Sevilla’s attack.
Sadiq was initially a target for Sevilla when he impressed at Almería, with former sporting director Monchi eyeing him as a potential replacement for Youssef En-Nesyri or as a complementary forward.
Although his €20 million price tag was a hurdle, Sevilla’s current striking struggles could make Sadiq an attractive option once again. His move to the club could give them the physical presence in attack they have sorely lacked and offer competition to the misfiring forwards.
Iheanacho’s potential revival at Real Sociedad: A tactical fit
Iheanacho’s time at Sevilla has been far from smooth. Since his arrival, Iheanacho has struggled to break into the starting line-up, with Pimienta preferring Isaac Romero as his lone striker.
In his absence, Pimienta has leaned on the younger Stanis Idumbo, leaving Iheanacho with limited playing time.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, might present the perfect opportunity for Iheanacho to revitalise his career. Sociedad’s possession-based game could suit the Nigerian’s strengths, especially with his link up play and eye for a pass.
Moreover, with Sociedad needing a backup option to their key forwards Sheraldo Becker and Mikel Oyarzabal, Iheanacho’s arrival could help fill that gap.
