Tag: Sadiq Umar

  • Valencia to pay more for Sadiq Umar

    Valencia to pay more for Sadiq Umar

    Valencia have resumed negotiations to acquire Sadiq Umar from Real Sociedad.

    Marca reported on the renewed negotiations between Valencia and Real Sociedad for the transfer of Sadiq.

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    After a previously failed attempt, Valencia have now proposed a loan deal without a transfer fee, but with full payment of the player’s salary and an additional loan fee.

    Real Sociedad are open to the transfer but not for free, and the deal could be closed if Valencia increased their offer to around 1.5 million Euros.

  • Sadiq Umar, Bello El-Rufai acquire ownership rights of Rancher Bees FC

    Sadiq Umar, Bello El-Rufai acquire ownership rights of Rancher Bees FC

    Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and Kaduna North House of Representatives member Bello El-Rufai have officially taken ownership of Rancher Bees FC, the iconic Kaduna-based football club.

    The club, a historic name in Nigerian football famed for producing numerous former internationals, will compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the upcoming season.

    Speaking on the acquisition, Sadiq Umar shared excitement about restoring the team’s former glory.

    “I and my partner Hon. Bello El-Rufai want to return the club to its old glory days. Growing up, I watched Rancher Bees of Kaduna, a club that produced countless players. It’s a thing of pride and joy for us to be the bona fide owners of the club,” Sadiq said.

    Read Also: Sadiq Umar joins Valencia on loan

    “Our target is to secure promotion to the NPFL. I’m elated by the feedback from Rancher Bees supporters and the people of Kaduna. We will bring back the old memories of the club and return the fans to the stadium,” Sadiq added.

    With strong community support, the new era of Rancher Bees FC aims to blend rich tradition with ambitious football goals.

  • Sadiq Umar joins Valencia on loan

    Sadiq Umar joins Valencia on loan

    Nigeria international and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar has accepted a loan proposal from LaLiga side Valencia, which will see him return to where he had a successful time in the second half of last season.

    Sadiq has been a subject of interest from teams around Europe after he was made available by Real Sociedad upon his return from a fairly successful loan spell at Valencia, where he helped fire the team from 19th when he joined to beating the drop.

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    Newly promoted Elche made an ambitious attempt to sign him on a permanent deal, but he turned down their proposal and also several other teams in Europe insisting on staying at Real Sociedad or playing for another top team in Spain.

    While the president of Sociedad Jokin Aperribay publicly said the 28 year old will likely stay at the club, after impressing the coaches during pre season training, Sadiq has said yes to a loan move to Valencia.

    His decision came in light of reports linking him with a move to English Premier League side Fulham, who are willing to splash €10m to sign him permanently on a four year deal.

  • Sadiq Umar returns to preseason with Sociedad

    Sadiq Umar returns to preseason with Sociedad

    Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has returned to Real Sociedad and is back in preseason training after spending the second half of last season on loan at Valencia.

    The 28-year-old moved to Valencia in January and played a pivotal role in their late-season resurgence. His contributions helped the team steer clear of relegation and come within six points of a European place, narrowly missing out on the UEFA Conference League spot secured by Rayo Vallecano.

    During his loan stint, Sadiq netted six goals across all competitions — his best return since the 2021–22 campaign, when he bagged 19 goals for Almeria and played a key part in their promotion to La Liga.

    Between February and early March, the Nigerian international showcased clinical form in front of goal. According to OptaJose, he converted all four of his shots on target in LaLiga during that span — the best conversion rate of any player in the league.

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    Sadiq’s standout moment came in March when he earned the La Liga Goal of the Month award for a sublime late flick that secured Valencia a dramatic 3-3 draw against Osasuna.

    However, as the new season approaches, it remains uncertain whether Sadiq’s strong performances at Valencia will translate into regular minutes at Real Sociedad.

    He is expected to battle for a spot up front alongside Icelandic forward Orri Oskarsson, who scored seven times last term, and Jon Karrikaburu, returning from an impressive loan at Racing Santander.

    According to Gola TV, new manager Sergio Francisco, who recently succeeded Imanol Alguacil, may not have the Nigerian international in his long-term plans. Elche are said to be monitoring the striker’s situation, but Sadiq will look to stake his claim during the upcoming preseason fixtures.

  • Sadiq  Umar faces uncertain future after Valencia snub

    Sadiq  Umar faces uncertain future after Valencia snub

    Super Eagles attacker, Sadiq Umar‘s immediate future seems up in the air after Valencia reportedly opted not to pursue a permanent transfer for the Real Sociedad striker.

    Sadiq spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, making a notable impression with five goals in 16 La Liga appearances.

    However, according to Estadio Deportivo, the Spanish club has backed out of negotiations due to Real Sociedad’s high asking price.

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    The 28-year-old was among six players to depart Valencia this month following the expiration of their loan deals, joining the likes of Max Aarons, Barrenechea, Rafa Mir, Mamardashvili, and Iván Jaime.

    Despite showing interest in retaining the Nigerian international to bolster their attack, Valencia could not meet Sociedad’s financial demands.

    Sadiq, who signed for Real Sociedad in 2022, is now expected to weigh his options as clubs seeking a proven attacking threat circle ahead of the summer transfer deadline.

    His future, for now, appears to lie away from both Valencia and Sociedad.

  • Sadiq Umar confirms Valencia exit

    Sadiq Umar confirms Valencia exit

    Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker, Sadiq Umar, has stated via his social media page that his loan spell at Valencia will not be extended.

     According to  Soccernet, the 28-year-old joined Carlos Corberan’s side from Real Sociedad in January in search of game time after he played just seven league games in San Sebastian.

    Valencia were in a relegation battle when Sadiq joined them, but his five goals in sixteen games helped them turn their season around as they finished just two points outside of La Liga’s top ten.

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    Sadiq’s loan deal included an option to buy clause for a fee of €10m, but the club decided not to exercise the clause.

    Confirming his exit, the striker took to his Instagram page to thank Valencia and their fans for their support, claiming he’s accomplished what he aimed for with his loan spell.

    Sadiq now returns to Real Sociedad to fight for his place ahead of next season, although his future at the Reale Arena isn’t guaranteed.

  • Sadiq Umar wins La Liga Goal of the Month

    Sadiq Umar wins La Liga Goal of the Month

    Sadiq Umar’s goal for Valencia against Osasuna has been voted the best of La Liga for the month of March.

    In the closing stages of the match, Sadiq delivered a faculous backheel to earn a precious point on the road at Osasuna.

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    The Super Eagles striker is also in contention for the La Liga Player of the Month for scoring goals in the month under review.

     He is on loan until the end of the season.

  • Umar wins La Liga  best goal for March  

    Umar wins La Liga  best goal for March  

    Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has been crowned La Liga’s Goal of the Month winner for March 2025, marking a significant feat in his career in Spain.

    Umar beat off competition from Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu and CD Leganes’ Diego Garcia to claim the prestigious award, as confirmed through La Liga’s official media channels.

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    “His splendid and skilful goal came against Osasuna in a thrilling 3-3 draw placed on the arena of sublimity among strikers in La Liga and there is no doubt that he deserves the award,” LaLiga noted.

    His goal came when Valencia was trailing and with the clock ticking down, the Nigerian lethal weapon displayed a moment of brilliance in a jiffy when he back-heeled the ball past Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera into the net in the 87th  minute to claw back the game 2-2.

    Umar has been enjoying great form since joining Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad in January. He scored three goals in the month of March.

  • Sadiq Umar earns praises from Valencia coach

    Sadiq Umar earns praises from Valencia coach

    Valencia manager Carlos Corberán has praised Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar following his match-winning display in  the side’s  2-1 victory over Real Valladolid on Saturday.

    The Nigeria international scored the winning goal over the visitors at Mestalla Stadium.

    With his latest goal, Sadiq has now scored four times from his four shots on target in La Liga since February 1.

    That is the highest of any player in the competition, maintaining a 100% conversion rate with his shots on target since then in the ongoing campaign.

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    Heading into the clash against Valladolid, the lanky striker had already scored twice in Valencia’s 3-3 draw against Osasuna.

    Corberán commended the Nigerian striker for his resilience and determination throughout the game.

     “I think Sadiq perfectly embodied what the match was about—a game with mistakes at times,” he said. “But he showed the mentality to recover from those situations, never losing faith, assisting, and ultimately achieving the goal. His performance today mirrored the team’s spirit and determination.”

    This result is a major boost to the club’s relegation battle, as they moved up to 16th in the standings with 27 points from 27 matches.

  • Valencia Boss: We shall help Sadiq to regain his sharpness

    Valencia Boss: We shall help Sadiq to regain his sharpness

    Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán has promised to help the Super Eagles attacker, Sadiq Umar, regain his confidence  and sharpness after his Sunday’s heroics in the La Liga. 

    Umar played a crucial role in Valencia’s 3-3 draw against Osasuna, netting two goals including the 87th  minute equaliser to secure a point for his team.

    Speaking after the match, the former West Bromwich Albion manager thumbed up Sadiq’s impact while emphasizing the need for defensive improvement from his team.

     “Scoring three goals is great, but conceding three is not ideal. To win, we need to be stronger defensively. Attacking doesn’t mean we can’t defend better at key moments,” Corberán said in a chat.

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     “We weren’t as compact in defence as we should have been. We needed to manage the game better with the ball, but we didn’t.”

    He also praised Sadiq’s commitment and work ethic since joining the squad and stressed that they would help the Nigerian to achieve his potential.

     “Sadiq arrived highly motivated and eager to contribute. We will give him the confidence he needs to keep helping the team,” he added.

    Sadiq has scored three goals from six games since he joined Valencia in early February.