Valencia seal Sadiq return as Nigerian striker arrives for medical
Former loanee Umar Sadiq returns to Mestalla in a permanent deal worth up to €4m from Real Sociedad, with Corberán hoping to include him against Elche.
Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq has arrived in Valencia to complete his medical ahead of signing a contract that will keep him at Mestalla until 2028, marking a permanent return to the club where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
Deal details
Sadiq traveled by road to Valencia on Wednesday after Real Sociedad informed him they had reached an agreement with Los Che. The transfer fee is reported to be around €3.5 million fixed, with performance-related variables that could push the total beyond €4 million.
The 27-year-old striker has already begun the first part of his medical at Valencia’s Paterna training complex, with the remainder of the examinations expected to be completed on Thursday at the club’s usual medical partner facility.
Rushed through after fan backlash
The deal has been accelerated following Valencia’s dismal 4-1 defeat to Celta Vigo at Balaídos, which dropped them into the relegation zone and triggered a proper barney from supporters who confronted players and staff at the airport upon their return on January 3rd.
This kicked Valencia’s brass into action, with Singapore headquarters finally authorizing an improved bid after initial lowball offers were flatly rejected by La Real. The club’s first approach in December was reportedly a paltry half-million loan with purchase option - not even worth the paper it was written on according to the Basque club.
Corberán reunion
The Nigerian forward is no stranger to Valencia or their current manager:
- Scored 6 goals in 19 appearances during his previous loan spell
- Was Corberán’s first reinforcement after his appointment last season
- Has managed 1 goal and 2 assists in 7 appearances (275 minutes) for Real Sociedad this term
The club is hoping to announce the signing quickly, with Corberán keen to include Sadiq in his squad for Saturday’s crucial home fixture against Elche (21:00 at Mestalla).