Sadiq Umar to Valencia is almost sure, but one last detail could thwart the transfer

Spanish LaLiga club Valencia are willing to pay the €9.5 million release clause in Sadiq Umar's contract, but the Super Eagles striker might have to take a pay-cut for the deal to happen, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sadiq is enjoying life since leaving Real Sociedad for Valencia at the turn of the year. The 28-year-old Super Eagles striker had a torrid time at San Sebastian, as he arrived there from Almeria in 2022 as Real Sociedad's record transfer.

However, he suffering a knee injury barely weeks into his stay, and that ruled him out of action for the full season.

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Sadiq returned to action last season, but he failed to show the brilliance he showed at Almeria. Hence, his game time was badly limited.

In the first half of this season, things got worse for him, forcing him to move to Valencia in January for game time. With Los Ches, his fortunes have improved, as he has contributed six goals in 16 games.

Due to his upturn in form, there have now been talks that Valencia could trigger the permanent purchase option in his loan deal. To make the deal permanent, Los Ches would have to pay Real Sociedad €9.5 million in installments over the next three years.

Why Sadiq Umar's transfer to Valencia may fail?

Paying for Sadiq Umar should be easy for Valencia since the payment will be spread over six years. However, the problem might be his wages.

According to Estadio Deportivo, Sadiq makes €2.5 million net yearly, but that is above Valencia salary cap, which is €2-3 million gross yearly. And obviously, since he is not joining as a big player, Valencia would be unwilling to break their wage cap for him.

Moreover, if they do this, other senior players on the team would start demanding more money, and that could affect their finances.

As such, if Sadiq refuses to take a pay-cut, even if Valencia sign him, they might decide to sell him off this summer and make a profit.