Super Eagles and Real Sociedad centre-forward Sadiq Umar was left out of his side's league opener against Valencia yesterday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old also didn't make Sergio Francisco's bench as the San Sebastian side played a 1-1 draw against Sadiq's former side.
The club's coach further revealed that the Nigerian forward, alongside some of his teammates, didn't make the squad because they had not been registered due to uncertainty regarding their future.
This action also meant these players are without squad numbers in the meantime, as their future at Anoeta Stadium might be cut short anytime soon.
Real Sociedad coach weighs in on Sadiq Umar‘s future
Sadiq has been linked with a move to English Premier League side Fulham, but Sergio Francisco maintains the ex-Rangers man is a part of his plans, but things will shape up when the transfer window shuts.
“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 46-year-old said in quotes revealed by Eldes Marque.
“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,” the Spaniard continued.
There have been several clubs interested in Sadiq, but Sociedad are unwilling to let the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist leave on loan, as they prefer a permanent transfer.
The ex-Almeria man spent the final five months of the 2024/2025 season on loan with Valencia, with the option to buy included in the deal.
However, Carlos Corberan's side opted against activating the €10m buy clause in the deal, meaning Sadiq returned to Sociedad.
Valencia's CEO, Ron Gourlay, mentioned his side are considering bringing in another striker, but ruled out the Sadiq option.
“The market is open. The real competition is beginning. We've worked very hard and we're well prepared. We have to respect everyone.”
“Of course, there are many voices regarding the possibility of signing a striker, but we'll see how it goes. I'm not talking about players from other teams. We're focused on winning,” the 62-year-old said.
LaLiga's transfer window reopened on Tuesday, July 1 and closes on Monday, September 1st, meaning Sadiq will not make a league appearance until next month if he doesn't join a new team before the window shuts.
Fulham sporting director, Tony Khan, contacted the Sociedad hierarchy to inquire about Sadiq‘s situation, while tabling a four-year contract proposal for the Nigerian international.
It is believed that the La Liga side will ask for €10m to let the former Roma man head to Craven Cottage.
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