Real Sociedad president, Jokin Aperribay has expressed satisfaction with Sadiq Umar’s impressive resurgence since joining Valencia in January, but, admits the striker’s future may now lie with Los Ches.
Sadiq made the switch to Valencia during the winter transfer window after struggling for regular minutes at Real Sociedad. The move has since proved to be a turning point in his career.
Since his arrival at the Mestalla, the 28-year-old Nigerian forward has scored six goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, reigniting his form and mounting strong competition for Valencia’s established front-man, Hugo Duro.
With his growing influence at the club, there have been increasing calls for Valencia to retain him permanently. Speaking on the situation, Aperribay confirmed that the decision could rest in the hands of Valencia.
“Valencia has a purchase option on Sadiq,” Aperribay said in quotes reported by Radio Marca. “I’m very happy with the level he’s showing. We have to wait for the deadlines.”
Valencia coach Carlos Corberán has also been full of praise for the Nigerian striker. After Sadiq’s crucial goal last month, Corberán highlighted the striker’s mental strength and ability to bounce back from difficult moments.
“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,” Corberán said.
“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.”
On the international front, Sadiq earned a recall to the Super Eagles squad under Eric Chelle in March but did not feature in the two friendlies against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
As Nigeria prepare for the Unity Cup in London this May and the resumption of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Sadiq will be hoping to get another chance to prove himself on the international stage.
For now, his future at club level remains uncertain but if his form continues, Valencia may find it hard to let him go.
