Umar Sadiq Returns to Valencia Amidst Team Struggles

Umar Sadiq has made his return to Valencia after several months of delay. Following his loan during the second half of the 2024-25 season, where he played 19 matches and scored six goals, coach Carlos Corberán was eager to have the Nigerian forward back on the team. An initial attempt during the summer fell short when Valencia’s offer to Real Sociedad was deemed inadequate, with the club relying on Sadiq’s desire to return to Mestalla to facilitate the transfer. Now, four months later, as the team finds itself in the relegation zone, Sadiq has been signed until 2028 with the aim of aiding Valencia in overcoming their current challenges. He was presented at the Paterna sports city alongside Football CEO Ron Gourlay.

When asked about his efforts to join Valencia and the club’s efforts to acquire him, Sadiq stated, “First of all, I am very happy to be back here. It is a pleasure to represent Valencia again. Since my time here last year, I felt at home, and that motivated me to return. Both sides have shown persistent interest, which is why I am here.”

Sadiq also mentioned maintaining contact with some teammates: “I have been in touch with a few teammates. I’ve reached out to wish them luck, although my time has been limited.”

Regarding how many Valencia matches he has watched recently, he replied, “I have watched nearly all the games; whenever I had free time, I tried to catch the matches.”

On the relationship he shares with coach Corberán, he expressed, “Corberán is a coach who can bring out the best in me. Last year, I couldn’t perform at my peak, but he has faith in me.”

When asked if he is fit to play against Elche, he confidently stated, “Physically, I am ready to play. I have said this morning that I am prepared, but the decision is not mine to make.”

Reflecting on the months since the summer interest, he remarked, “We talked about a return during the summer, but an agreement was not reached. The most important thing is that I am here today.”

There has been talk of Ramazani, his former teammate at Almería, possibly leaving; Sadiq commented, “I am not aware of any discussions regarding his departure. In the past, he has been a great teammate, and I know he can contribute significantly to the team.”

When asked what attracted him to Valencia, he said, “What brought me here was the love I felt from the club and the fans from day one; it’s a matter of love for the club. I fell in love with Valencia from the first moment.”

Sadiq shared his feelings during the uncertainty of the transfer, stating, “Before the market opened, I had many conversations, and when I saw it wasn’t happening, I focused on training and getting in the best shape possible. This winter transfer market has made it a reality for me to be at Valencia. I don’t remember exactly when I was certain about my move, but I believed this moment would come.”

Regarding goal expectations, he emphasized, “What matters most is not how many goals I can score but how I can help the team every day. My priority is to assist the team in restoring Valencia to its rightful place.”

Finally, addressing whether Corberán had a significant role in his transfer, he concluded, “It has been a collective effort from the entire club, including the coach, that has brought me here.”