Sadiq reflects on Sociedad struggles

Nigeria international Umar Sadiq has opened up about the turbulent chapter of his career at Real Sociedad, shedding light on the injury setbacks and lack of consistent game time that hampered his progress at the Basque club.

The towering Super Eagles striker joined Sociedad in the summer of 2022 in a high-profile €20m switch from Almeria. At Almeria, Sadiq had carved out a reputation as a lethal forward, netting 43 goals and providing 13 assists in 84 matches—form that played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to La Liga.

He hit the ground running with Sociedad, making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Atletico Madrid. His early form was further underlined with a solid display in a notable Europa League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. But just as he looked set to establish himself as a key figure, disaster struck.

In a cruel twist of fate, Sadiq sustained a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a league match against Getafe, just days into his Sociedad stint. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the 2022/23 season and marked the beginning of a long, frustrating spell on the sidelines.

Returning from such a major injury is never easy, and Sadiq found the road back to full fitness both physically and mentally taxing. Despite working his way back into the squad the following season, he struggled to find rhythm and regular minutes, scoring just three goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.

With Sociedad under increasing pressure to justify their investment, and Sadiq finding it hard to rediscover his scoring touch, the club made the decision to send him out on loan. In January, he moved to Valencia in search of a fresh start—and it’s a switch that has breathed new life into his campaign.

At Valencia, the 27-year-old has looked far more like his old self. In 11 La Liga appearances since his arrival at the Mestalla, Sadiq has found the net four times and played a key role in lifting Valencia away from relegation danger.

Speaking to TVC News about his journey, Sadiq was candid about the challenges he faced at Sociedad.

“From the first day I went to Real Sociedad, I went there with a lot of expectations. Unfortunately, after just five days, I tore my ACL and everything changed,” he said.

“I was out for one season, and when I came back, I couldn’t get that continuity I needed because I was left behind. It was also the coach’s decision, which I respected.”

Reflecting further on his time there, Sadiq admitted it was a tough situation beyond his control:

“Sometimes, you find yourself in situations where you cannot change anything. And my situation at Real Sociedad was that. Because of lack of playing time after coming back from injury, I had to face reality.”

“Every footballer needs continuity, which I did not have when I returned. But here at Valencia, week in and week out, I’m playing. I’m gaining my confidence, and that’s all I needed. As a footballer, continuity is key—you have more calm, and more time to show what you have.”