Barcelona-linked Super Eagles star confirms he will play in La Liga next season

One of Nigeria’s most prolific forward in Europe in recent times is convinced the Spanish La Liga will be his playground by the time the 2022-23 campaign kicks off

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has reiterated his desire to stay at Almeria next season and help the Rojiblancos compete among the best in the Spanish Primera Division.

Sadiq followed up an impressive maiden campaign in the Spanish Segunda Division by contributing 30 goals (18 goals, 12 assists) in 36 league games to help Almeria finish champions this term.

No one had a hand in more goals than the 25-year-old former AS Roma ace, confirming his rating as the most valuable player in the Spanish second division.

It is expected that Sadiq’s name will be top of many clubs’ shopping lists this summer, as it was last year.

Barcelona, Sevilla, and Valencia are some of the Spanish sides previously linked with a move for the Rio Olympics bronze medallist.

English Premier League money Newcastle also wanted to add Sadiq to their attacking personnel, but the Nigerian has never hidden his desire to stay in Almeria.

And with La Liga promotion secured for La Union, Sadiq is not in doubt that he wants to experience the top flight with the team that brought him to Spain.

“Playing in the First Division is a dream, and I want to do it with Almería,” the former Partizan forward told the media, as per AS.

“It is a place where I have found the affection and trust of the coach. I have very tempting offers, but I will stay 100% in Almería.”

With a 60 million euros release clause on his head, it is unlikely that any club will convince Almeria and Sadiq to part company any time soon.

Sadiq is with the Super Eagles presently, and he played the first half of Nigeria’s 2-1 triumph over Sierra Leone on Thursday.

Everton’s Alex Iwobi and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen scored both goals for the three-time Afcon champions in the matchday one fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Matchday two kicks off on Monday with a first-ever meeting with the tiny island nation of Sao Tome & Principe, and Sadiq was clear about his expectations in the encounter.

“Right now, I am focused on the games with Nigeria,” Sadiq said.

“Then we’ll talk about how the season will be with Almería. My mind is on winning on Monday, and I hope to God we get it.”

Nigeria’s meeting with the Sao Tomeans will start by 2 pm (local time), with a win likely to send the Super Eagles to the top of Group A on six points.