The Spanish manager is drooling at the prospect of watching his Nigerian import wreck havoc in the Primera Division
USD Almeria head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia ‘Rubi’ has revealed his ultimate desire to keep Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq at the club ahead of their La Liga campaign.
Sadiq has been an unstoppable force for Almeria over the past two years and played a crucial role as La Union gained promotion to the top division as champions of the Segunda Division.
Already a candidate for instant relegation to the lower league, Almeria could suffer among the big boys next season.
But with Sadiq in their fold, coach Rubi is optimistic that the Spanish La Liga newcomers can produce a few shocking results.
And Rubi is backing Sadiq to trouble La Liga defenders more than he did in the second division.
“Our dream as a staff would be for Sadiq to continue with the team in the First Division,” the respected tactician said at a news conference as per Diario de Almeria.
“Because I think his performance could be better than in the Second Division, simply because of a space issue, with the possibility of running, he will do a lot of damage.”
Where Umar Sadiq will play his football is not set in stone just yet, with several clubs interested in snapping up the Super Eagles striker.
Villarreal are the leading candidates for his signature, while Sevilla, Real Betis, and Valencia are also known admirers of the 24-year-old.
Even coach Rubi has refused to rule out the possibility of the Nigeria international leaving Almeria for several millions before the transfer window slams shut.
“I think he (Sadiq) will be here (at Almeria),” Rubi said of his star striker.
“And if in the end he is not, it is because the club understands that the economic part is good enough to allocate that money to bring a footballer in that position.”
Almeria play host to Real Madrid in their first La Liga match of the season on August 14.
