Umar Sadiq centre-forward of Real Sociedad and Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
Valencia are planning to sign Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq on a permanent deal from Real Sociedad by structuring a financially astute payment plan to navigate their ongoing financial struggles, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old forward joined the Spanish club on loan in January with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
However, with Valencia still battling economic difficulties, meeting Real Sociedad’s €10m (£8.5m) valuation of Sadiq in one lump sum would have posed a significant challenge.
Now, the Mestalla outfit are working on a proposal to spread the payment across five instalments, making the deal more manageable over the next four years, according to Elgoldigital.
Valencia’s plan would see the €10m transfer fee paid in five equal parts of €2m each, running from this summer until the January 2028 transfer window.
The arrangement would give the club room to reinforce their squad in the summer while staying within La Liga’s strict financial controls.
Despite the structured approach, the offer is unlikely to please Real Sociedad, who had paid €20m to sign Sadiq from Almeria in 2022. The Basque club are seeking immediate funds to offset their own investments but may have little choice if Valencia exercise their purchase option.
Additionally, secret clauses inserted into the loan deal could increase the overall cost of the transfer.
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Valencia already paid an initial €500,000 loan fee to Sociedad, which will be deducted from the final price if the purchase option is triggered.
Sociedad would be entitled to an extra €1m in performance-related bonuses — €500,000 if Sadiq plays more than 60% of the minutes from matchday 19 onwards, and another €500,000 if Valencia avoid relegation.
If all clauses are triggered, the total outlay could rise to €11m, although Valencia will ultimately pay €10.5m factoring in the upfront loan fee.
After enduring a difficult spell at Real Sociedad, where a long-term injury hampered his progress, Sadiq has shown glimpses of his best form at Valencia.
The Nigerian striker has scored three goals in six La Liga appearances since arriving at Mestalla, helping the club’s battle against relegation.
His performances have not gone unnoticed at international level either. New Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle named Sadiq in his provisional 39-man squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Although he faces stiff competition to make the final cut, the call-up is a significant step in Sadiq’s journey back into the Super Eagles fold.
The forward has earned 11 caps for Nigeria, scoring once, and was last involved in the squad during the 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last November.
Valencia’s willingness to commit to Sadiq despite their financial struggles is a major indicator of the club’s belief in his ability to lead their attack long-term.
However, the structured payment plan represents a gamble — both in terms of Sociedad’s acceptance and Sadiq maintaining his fitness and form.
With his future on the line and a potential return to the Nigeria squad on the horizon, Sadiq has every incentive to prove he is worth the investment.
If Valencia secure the deal, Sadiq will not only become a key figure in their rebuild but could reignite his career at both club and international level.