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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Real Sociedad manager Sergio Francisco says Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq remains part of his plans for the new season despite uncertainty over the Nigerian striker’s future.
Sadiq was not included in La Real’s squad for their opening La Liga match against Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday and has not yet been allocated a shirt number for the campaign.
His omission fuelled speculation of an imminent departure, but Francisco moved to clarify the situation.
“Sadiq is in open talks; there are all kinds of conversations, but that doesn’t mean he’s not in the plans,” Francisco told ElDesmarque after the game.
“I wouldn’t say for sure whether he’s leaving or staying. There are five players who don’t have a number because they have pending negotiations; at the end of the transfer window, we’ll see how we distribute them.”
Valencia reopen talks
Sadiq, 28, spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, scoring six goals in 19 appearances and playing a key role in their push for a European spot.
Negotiations between Valencia and Real Sociedad had previously broken down earlier this summer, but both clubs reopened discussions over the weekend.
According to Marca, Los Che have proposed a new loan deal without an initial transfer fee, but with full coverage of Sadiq’s salary and an additional loan payment.
Sociedad, however, want more, they are open to a loan but are demanding around €1.5m to sanction the deal, and the gap in valuation remains the major stumbling block.
Other suitors circling
The former Almería forward, who is contracted to Real Sociedad until 2028, has also been linked with other La Liga clubs this summer, including Alavés, Elche, and Getafe.
For now, though, Valencia appear to be leading the race, given Sadiq’s positive loan spell last season.
Sociedad’s dilemma
Sadiq joined Real Sociedad in September 2022 from Almería in a €20m deal but has endured a difficult time in San Sebastián, including a lengthy injury layoff in his debut season.
While the club remain open to keeping him, the lack of squad number and ongoing negotiations suggest his future could be decided in the final weeks of the transfer window.
For now, Francisco insists the striker is not frozen out and could still play a role if no deal materialises.
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