Real Sociedad manager Sergio Francisco provided an update on the transfer situation of Umar Sadiq after the Super Eagles striker’s absence from his side’s 1-1 draw with Valencia on Saturday, Footynaija.com reports.
Sadiq has been the subject of endless rumours this summer amid speculations of potential transfer away from Real Sociedad following his failure to properly settle into life at the Basque Country club.
The towering Nigerian striker was missing from Sociedad’s roster as they rocked up to Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium where he coincidentally enjoyed a resurgent loan spell last season for their opening game of the 2025/2026 La Liga season.
At the conclusion of a highly watchable opening day stalemate, La Real boss, Sergio Francisco, revealed the reason for Sadiq’s absence from the matchday squad.
“Sadiq is in open talks, there are all kinds of conversations, but that doesn’t mean he’s not in the plans. I wouldn’t say for sure whether he’s leaving or staying,” Francisco said as revealed by ElDesmarque.
From all indications, it appears Sadiq and Real Sociedad are actively looking to part ways this summer despite his contract running till 2028, but Francisco did not completely rule him out of the club’s plans.
Valencia are thought to be interested and pushing for another loan move with an option to buy, a strategy they are employing in a bid to minimize financial risk. However, Real Sociedad would prefer a permanent transfer.
The Nigeria international is open to returning to Mestalla, while Real Sociedad, despite their preference for a permanent departure, remain open to all possibilities, as they are keen to find a solution that prevents him from remaining in the Basque Country.