Umar Sadiq is attracting loan interest from several La Liga and Serie A clubs after enduring a challenging first full season at Real Sociedad.
This comes amidst a struggle to establish himself following a high-profile arrival and a season disrupted by injury.
Despite a hefty €20 million transfer fee that shattered Real Sociedad's transfer record in September 2022, Sadiq's time at the Basque club has been far from smooth. Signed on the back of a prolific spell at Almeria (43 goals and 19 assists in 84 games), his promising start was cut short just three games into his career at Anoeta by a cruciate ligament injury.
The injury sidelined Sadiq for the remainder of the 2022/23 season, hindering his development and integration within the team. Though he made a comeback at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, regaining his starting spot proved difficult. In 15 starts across all competitions (1,384 minutes), Sadiq managed three goals.
Valencia, Sevilla, and Bologna eye loan opportunity
Sadiq's struggles have not gone unnoticed by other clubs.
According to Spanish sports daily AS, Valencia, who are currently pursuing Rafa Mir from Sevilla, have picked the former AS Roma striker as a backup option. Los Che are confident the deal for the lanky Nigerian center forward will go through as their director of football Miguel Ángel Corona has a good relationship with Roberto Olabe, the sporting director of Real Sociedad.
Sevilla themselves are also keeping tabs on Umar Sadiq, offering the Nigerian a chance to regain his confidence and form at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. Additionally, Italian outfit and Champions League campaigners Bologna have thrown their hat into the ring, adding another layer of intrigue to Sadiq's future
Umar Sadiq: Spain focus complicating matters
Recent reports suggest Sadiq is only interested in loan moves within La Liga.
While this preference for Spain is commendable, it creates a challenging situation for both the player and Real Sociedad. Valencia, Sevilla, and Bologna all represent attractive loan destinations that could offer Sadiq much-needed playing time.
His reluctance to consider other options narrows the pool of potential suitors and could potentially stall negotiations.
