Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has complained that his lack of game time of at Real Sociedad has contributed to his poor form in the past year, Soccernet.ng reports.
When Sadiq moved to Real Sociedad two years ago, it seemed like it was a great deal for all parties involved. The Nigerian striker had previously excelled at Almeria, registering 43 goals and 19 assists in 84 appearances.
So the club-record €20 million fee which Real Sociedad paid for him in 2022 seemed like a good fee for a player of his quality.
Sadiq quickly adjusted to life at Sociedad, scoring in just his first appearance. Unfortunately for him, he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his third game.
That injury ruled him out of action for the entire season. And he had to wait until last season before returning to full action.
Upon his return, the 27-year-old striker struggled to pin down a regular starting shirt, amid competition from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Last season, he registered three goals and one assist in 26 league appearances, but most of his appearances were off the bench.
This season, Sadiq has registered six appearances, but he is yet to score yet. In most of his appearances, he has looked below par, prompting exit talks.
In a recent interview, the Nigerian striker admitted that he has not been performing at his usual level. But he believe that Alguacil’s decision to reduce his game time has contributed to his poor form.
“I just need continuity and that does not depend on me. I’m training well, I’m more than a professional now and that other part doesn’t depend on me,” Sadiq told Oluwashina Okeleji, per eldesmarque.
“The only thing I can do is keep pushing and keep training hard and, when I have continuity, it will be time to prove it.”
If Sadiq’s struggle at Real Sociedad continue till the end of the season, he will likely leave for another club by next summer.