Sadiq bids farewell at Zubieta as Valencia move edges closer
Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq says goodbye to Real Sociedad teammates ahead of his imminent transfer to Valencia in a deal worth just under €5 million.
Valencia are on the brink of securing Umar Sadiq from Real Sociedad, with the Nigerian striker already saying his goodbyes at the Basque club’s training ground before heading south to complete his move.
Farewell at Zubieta
Sadiq popped into Real Sociedad’s Zubieta training complex this morning to collect his belongings and bid farewell to teammates and staff. The forward even posted a photo on social media (which he later deleted) showing him with the physios who’ve been crucial during his recovery from that nasty knee ligament injury he suffered just weeks after joining La Real.
Talk about a short stay - the poor bloke barely had time to find the best pintxo bars in San Sebastián before that injury derailed his time there.
Deal Details
According to Radio MARCA Valencia, who broke the story yesterday, the deal is all but done and dusted:
- Transfer fee just under €5 million
- Three-year contract for Sadiq
- Negotiations accelerated after Valencia’s defeat to Celta Vigo, which dropped them into the relegation zone
Valencia significantly improved their initial offer to get the deal over the line after manager Corberán had identified Sadiq as his top January target. The club had previously tried and failed to bring him in during the summer window.
Immediate Impact?
Sadiq is keen to hit the ground running at his new club. Word is he wants to arrive in Valencia tonight to immediately begin training under Corberán’s guidance. The striker is even hoping to be available for this weekend’s home fixture against Elche at Mestalla.
For Valencia fans, this transfer can’t come quick enough. With the team currently in the brown stuff relegation-wise, they’ll be hoping Sadiq can find his shooting boots straight away and help lift them up the table.