Sadiq Umar poised for permanent Valencia return after lack of playing time at Sociedad

Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar is in Valencia to finalise a permanent move away from Real Sociedad, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old played the final five months of last season with Carlos Corberan's side, scoring six goals in 19 games, and while Valencia were keen on retaining Sadiq's services permanently, they opted against activating the €10m buy clause in the deal.

The summer transfer window presented a few opportunities for Sadiq to leave Real Sociedad, but he ended up staying, knowing his chances of getting first-team minutes were very slim.

Sadiq Umar has played just 152 minutes for the Txuri-Urdin this season, and it is little wonder that when Valencia came knocking again, he grabbed the opportunity without wasting time.

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Sadiq Umar set to sign for Valencia

Soccernet.ng previously reported that Valencia had devised a means to secure the services of the former AS Roma forward in the January transfer window, with Carlos Corberan eager to bolster his attack following a difficult first half of the season.

Valencia have accrued just 16 points from 18 La Liga games this season, and face the possibility of relegation as they're four points above bottom-placed Real Oviedo.

Los Che currently average less than a goal per game; hence, their quest for a striker who knows how to put the ball in the back of the net.

Valencia initially sought to pursue a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option, with the total package worth around €4m.

However, they don't have to worry about a loan deal anymore. According to Spanish outlet Super Deporte, Umar Sadiq is already in Valencia, having arrived in the capital of Turia this afternoon by road from San Sebastian to pen a deal with the club for the next two and a half seasons.

The Nigerian has said goodbye this morning to the coaching staff, the staff and the employees of Real Sociedad, having received permission from the club to finalise his move to Valencia.

Sadiq's first stop was at the Sports City of Paterna, where he underwent tests to complete his medical review, and an official unveiling is expected later today.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV outside the facility, the former UD Almeria man revealed that the process was perfect.

Sadiq pasa pruebas médicas para convertirse en jugador del Valencia.

✅ ¿Cómo está la rodilla? “Perfecta”.

@German_ml23 pic.twitter.com/B5zbQNYwuV

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) January 8, 2026

The plan is for the striker to join the training with the group, and hopefully, be available on Saturday for the LaLiga match against Elche CF at Mestalla, which will close out the first half of the season.

Sadiq becomes the first signing of Valencia in the January transfer window, with the total fee of the deal reaching just above €3m.

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán squeezed the club to improve the offer after making it clear that his priority was solely and exclusively Sadiq. The possibility of other alternatives was not raised: Sadiq or Sadiq.

Sadiq's goal will be to regain match fitness as soon as possible after featuring in just seven games for Real Sociedad so far this season.