Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has expressed a willingness to keep Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar at the club if the conditions are right for all sides involved. The Spanish executive made his position clear while speaking about the player’s situation ahead of the new season.
Sadiq, who is now 28 years old, joined Real Sociedad from UD Almeria in 2022 in a move that cost the club €18 million. Since then, he has found it difficult to live up to expectations due to a number of challenges that disrupted his early stay at the club.
His first campaign in San Sebastian was affected by a serious knee injury, which limited his involvement with the first team. Since recovering, he has not been able to establish himself as a regular starter in Sociedad’s attack.
Sadiq’s Loan Spell and Return from Valencia
To regain form and confidence, Sadiq moved on loan to Valencia, who were battling relegation at the time. During his short spell with the club, he managed to score six goals and delivered encouraging performances for a side that was trying to avoid dropping out of the top division.
Despite his positive contribution at Valencia, the club’s management decided not to activate the option to make the transfer permanent for €10 million. That decision meant that the striker had to return to his parent club, Real Sociedad, at the end of the loan agreement.
Aperribay’s Comments on Sadiq’s Status
Although Sadiq has a contract that runs until the summer of 2028, his future at the Anoeta Stadium remains uncertain. The former Almeria striker is looking for regular playing time, especially with his eyes on earning a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco.
Aperribay said that there is room to find a common ground with the striker and his representatives. He shared that communication between the coaching staff and club management has been ongoing regarding Sadiq’s readiness and training efforts during preseason preparations.
He noted, “What I can say about Sadiq is that he has been training well like the rest of the players who stayed behind at Zubieta. We’ve had regular discussions with Erik about how the sessions are going, and Sadiq has shown a great attitude.”
Club President Leaves the Door Open
According to the club president, there is no final decision yet regarding Sadiq’s role next season. He explained that the striker may still have a place in the squad depending on the final evaluation by the coach. The club is also assessing other players who could join, but Aperribay stressed that if no new additions are made, the current squad is good enough to compete.
He added, “I won’t dismiss the idea of Sadiq staying. It depends on which players we can bring in. If we’re unable to sign our targets, then we will continue with the quality players we already have.”
Aperribay also pointed out that the club was not far from achieving their aims last season, and they have young talents who are stepping up. He praised Urko, who played at Espanyol, and Gorrotxategi, a centre-back, for their strong displays in the second part of the season.
Sadiq’s AFCON Ambition
Sadiq is fully aware that consistent playing time is crucial for him to remain in contention for a spot in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad. The 2025 AFCON tournament is a major goal for the striker, and he is determined to perform at the club level to earn his place.
The president closed by saying the next few weeks will be important. The final decision will depend on how the coach views the current group and the direction the club wishes to take.
