Valencia closing in on Sadiq signing as Real Sociedad talks advance
Valencia CF make significant progress in negotiations for Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq, with a permanent deal now looking likely after months of talks with Real Sociedad.
Valencia CF are on the verge of securing Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq from Real Sociedad in a move that could prove crucial in their battle against relegation.
Breakthrough in negotiations
After months of back-and-forth between the clubs, Valencia have significantly improved their offer for Sadiq, with Radio Marca Valencia reporting that an advanced agreement is now in place. This represents a major shift in negotiations that had previously stalled, with early proposals from Los Che falling well short of La Real’s valuation.
The latest offer is understood to be around €3 million for a permanent transfer this January, double what was initially proposed. The deal would also include performance-related variables based on both individual achievements and Valencia’s final league position.
Player already on board
Valencia had already been working on personal terms with Sadiq, who could sign until 2028 - matching the length of his current contract at Real Sociedad, albeit with a reduced salary. The Nigerian forward has consistently prioritised a return to Mestalla since his loan spell last season, and appears willing to take a pay cut to make it happen.
Pressure forces Lim’s hand
Valencia’s precarious league position appears to have forced owner Peter Lim’s hand. The club’s return to the relegation zone following defeat to Celta Vigo has prompted a rethink of their financial approach to the January window.
The situation represents quite the U-turn from December, when Valencia’s opening gambit was a mere €500,000 loan fee with a €1 million obligation to buy - an offer that Real Sociedad didn’t even dignify with a response.
Corberán’s attacking solution
Manager Carlos Corberán has identified Sadiq as a solution to Valencia’s offensive woes, which have been a major weakness during the first half of the campaign. The Nigerian’s physical presence and goal threat could provide the cutting edge that’s been sorely missing from their attack.
Last summer, Valencia’s approach for Sadiq came too late in the window, with CEO Ron Gourlay admitting: “We wanted a loan, but ultimately presented a transfer offer that Real rejected.” This time around, they seem determined not to make the same mistake.