Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar continues to be linked with a departure from La Liga club Real Sociedad, with Genoa and Sevilla exploring ways to sign the 2016 Olympics bronze medalist.
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has recently shown a preference for Sheraldo Becker over Sadiq, further signaling the potential exit of the Nigerian.
According to reports from Spanish sports daily AS, both Real Sociedad and Sadiq Umar are open to a transfer.
Sadiq, who joined Real Sociedad in 2022 for a hefty fee of around 20 million euros following a stellar season at Almeria, has struggled to meet expectations, particularly after suffering a significant injury in his debut season.
Although he has since recovered, Sadiq has found it challenging to regain the form that initially attracted Real Sociedad’s interest.
In the previous campaign, Sadiq made 36 appearances across all competitions including 26 in La Liga, 4 in the Champions League, and 6 in the Copa del Rey.
Despite his considerable playing time, he managed just three goals and one assist, a return that falls short of the high expectations placed upon him.
Real Sociedad are demanding 15 million euros (approximately N26 billion in Nigerian currency) plus a percentage of a future sale for the transfer of their striker.
Genoa, Sevilla, and Valencia are interested in Sadiq though the valuation could prove to be a stumbling block.
Both Genoa and Sevilla are keen on acquiring the striker but favor a loan arrangement rather than a permanent transfer.
Meanwhile, Valencia’s recent signing of Rafa Mir has seemingly pushed them out of the race for Sadiq.
Olaitan Ibrahim