Free-scoring Nigerian Star Set To Become Almeria’s Record Signing

The Andalusians have been scouring around for several weeks in search of a renowned striker, and they may have found their man in Umar Sadiq

Partizan Belgrade's Umar Sadiq is close to moving to Spain as Almeria have opened negotiations with his Serbian side, as per Gianluca Di Marzio, intending to sign the young attacker before the transfer window slams shut next week.

The towering 23-year-old has been an attacking sensation since moving to Serbia, smashing in 23 goals and supplying 19 assists in 51 games for Partizan.

Should the deal happen, Sadiq – expected to command a transfer fee of not less than ten million euros – would become the most expensive signing in the history of Almeria.

His transfer fee would dwarf the almost nine million euros the Segunda Division side paid to secure the signing of 19-year-old Englishman Arvin Appiah last summer.

Sadiq joined Partizan last summer on loan from Roma, but the Serbian club made the deal permanent in January this year for €1.75 million after the Nigerian forward impressed.

He is currently valued at €6 million by transfermarkt.

Sadiq was a member of the Samson Siasia-led Nigerian team that won the bronze at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. The former Rangers ace played a prominent role during the competition after scoring four goals in six games.

Despite his young age, Sadiq has extensive experience. In 2015 he signed for Roma, featuring in six games for the first team and scoring two goals.

From Roma, the young striker has spent time on loan at seven different clubs, including Spezia, Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda, Rangers, Perugia, and Partizan.

Already this term, Sadiq has found the back of the net six times in nine games in the Serbian League.