Nigeria forward Umar Sadiq is poised to make his first La Liga start of the season for Real Sociedad this weekend as they take on Real Madrid, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
With the team’s primary striker, Mikel Oyarzabal, currently sidelined due to injury, and recent acquisition Orri Óskarsson still acclimating to the squad, Sadiq has been presented with a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills.
The Nigerian forward, who made a memorable debut by scoring against Atlético Madrid, has faced a challenging period since his move to Sociedad in 2022.
A severe knee injury, specifically a cruciate ligament tear, kept Sadiq out of action for nearly a year, significantly impacting his performance. His return to the field has been met with mixed reactions, as he has managed to score only four goals in 42 appearances. His most recent goal came six months ago against Granada, and he has struggled to find the back of the net since.
Despite facing frustration from fans and coach Imanol Alguacil, Sadiq remains resolute. He has turned down transfer offers from several clubs, including Sevilla and Getafe, demonstrating his commitment to proving himself at Sociedad.
As Sociedad prepares to face Real Madrid, the 27-year-old striker is eager to seize the opportunity to regain his form. Notably, Sadiq has not scored at the Anorta Stadium since November 2023, and he is determined to add the Spanish giants to the list of top clubs he has scored against.
Sadiq’s performance this weekend could be pivotal in his quest to reestablish himself as a key player for Sociedad.
Oluwayemi Omolagba