Real Sociedad boss, Sergio Francisco, has insisted that Umar Sadiq remains part of his squad plans for the 2024/25 campaign, even though the striker’s transfer situation is still unresolved Extra.
The Nigerian attacker did not feature in their first league outing against Valencia on Saturday and has also not been handed a jersey number this season, raising speculation about his role. Francisco, however, moved quickly to clear up doubts surrounding the forward.
After the clash at Mestalla, the coach acknowledged that the 28-year-old’s future has yet to be determined.
“Sadiq is in open talks; there are all kinds of conversations, but that doesn’t mean he’s not in the plans.
“I wouldn’t say for sure whether he’s leaving or staying,” the coach said via ElDesmarque.
The Spanish tactician also dismissed claims that the absence of a squad number automatically signals the striker’s exit.
“There are five players who don’t have a number because they have pending negotiations; at the end of the transfer window, we’ll see how we distribute them,” he added.
The Nigerian forward, whose current deal with Real Sociedad runs until 2028, spent the previous campaign on loan at Valencia, where he registered six goals in 19 matches.
Discussions between both clubs restarted on Saturday after earlier talks broke down without an agreement.
As reported by Marca, Valencia’s newest offer is for a temporary move without a transfer fee, though they are willing to take on his entire wages and pay an added loan charge.
Sociedad are not against letting him leave, but they insist on receiving financial compensation, and a deal could be finalized if Valencia raise their proposal to around €1.5m.
At the same time, the former Almeria striker has been associated with potential switches to sides such as Alaves, Elche, and Getafe in this transfer window, though none of those links have developed into formal negotiations.
