Super Eagles forward, Umar Sadiq has reflected on his challenging time at Real Sociedad, attributing his struggles to injury setbacks and limited opportunities.
In the summer of 2022, the Nigerian joined Real Sociedad from Almeria for €20 million in a protracted but high-profile move.
Sadiq had just delivered a standout campaign with Almeria, scoring 43 goals and providing 13 assists in 84 appearances, helping them secure promotion to La Liga.
As expected, he made a flying start at his new club, scoring on his debut against Atletico Madrid.
However, just as he began to find his feet, he suffered a major setback. Few games into his Sociedad career, the forward tore his ACL during a league match against Getafe.
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The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the 2022/23 season and halted his momentum completely.
After recovering, the lack of playing time made it impossible for him to regain rhythm and consistency.
“From the first day I went to Real Sociedad, I went there with a lot of expectations,” Sadiq told TVC News.
“Unfortunately, I went there and after five days I tore my ACL and things changed. I was out for one season, came back and I could not get that continuity; I was left behind.”
“Also, it was the coach’s decision which I respected,” the forward admitted.
In January, Sadiq secured a loan move to Valencia, and the change has revived his form.
He’s scored four goals in 11 La Liga games for Los Che and is gradually getting back to his best.
“You can see that as I came here, week in, week out I’m playing, I’m gaining my confidence. As a football player, continuity (is key).”
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