Umar Sadiq recounts his failed transfer to Dortmund and subsequent switch to Real Sociedad as the “best decision” of his career

Sadiq moved from Almería to Real Sociedad in September 2022. While playing for Almería, he made 79 league games, appeared in 40 goals, and assisted on 13 more goals.

Nigerian international, Umar Sadiq, discusses why his move to a German Bundesliga club, Borussia Dortmund, failed because an agreement with his team, Almeria, could not be reached.

According to the Nigerian, the transfer failed as a result of a loan deal the Black and Yellows were willing to offer.

It should be recalled that Dortmund made acquiring a striker a top priority last summer when they signed the Ivorian forward, Sebastian Haller, to replace Erling Haaland, a Norwegian forward who was moving for Manchester City.

The striker, who signed a four-year contract with the German team after turning in an excellent performance in the Eredivisie League, was seen to be the ideal alternative for the Leeds-born striker.

Following a 34-goal season with Ajax, Haller signed for Dortmund in July and received the diagnosis soon after. He felt unwell during BVB’s preseason trip to Switzerland, and after getting tested, a cancerous tumour was discovered.

To fill this void, a striker as replacement was urgently needed, which brought the former Torino forward, Sadiq, into the scene.

The 25-year-old did, however, admitted that Villarreal and some other teams were unable to come to an agreement about his valuation.

“I was in Kaduna when I get the call that Villarreal want to sign me. However what looked like an imminent deal didn’t happen as both teams couldn’t agree on my valuation. They made two more attempts but a compromise wasn’t reached.” he admitted to owngoalnigeria.

The Kaduna-born player revealed that his club was not interested in a loan deal since the BVB wanted a loan with an option to purchase.

“The next was Borussia Dortmund. They wanted a loan deal with the option of a permanent deal because their move was due to the unfortunate diagnosis of their top striker Sebastian Haller with cancer. So they needed me to fill in the gap and watch how I will settle. Again Almeria weren’t keen on a loan deal.” he said.

Many clubs tried to get the former Almeria player, but all failed. Real Sociedad, a Spanish team that was adamant on signing the striker, however, proved to be a worthy club for his signature.

“It was in the middle of trying to find a compromise that the Sporting director of Almeria called to say Real Sociedad are willing to pay what they want, and I have been granted permission to speak with them. I didn’t until I asked couple of my teammates, who were like it’s a no brainer.

“The next day, talks were held and all sorted out So far it’s the best decision of my career.” he remarked.

However, due to injury, the attacker has only appeared in two games for his new side, scoring only one goal.