Nigeria’s Sadiq Umar left in transfer limbo as summer window opens; Beşiktaş lurking in the shadows

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar appears to be edging closer to the exit door at Real Sociedad after suffering a double snub from both his parent club and recent loan side, Valencia CF.

Despite showing flashes of brilliance at Valencia during a half-season loan — scoring five goals in 16 appearances and even winning the club’s Goal of the Season award — the La Liga outfit declined to activate the €10 million buy clause in his deal.

Back in San Sebastián, the 28-year-old finds himself unwanted at Real Sociedad, who are now reportedly keen on offloading him permanently despite his contract running until 2028. His early promise at the club was derailed by a serious knee injury in 2022, and he has since struggled to fit into Imanol Alguacil’s system.

With no solid offers yet on the table, Sadiq remains in limbo.

A cryptic message shared on Instagram by the forward — “You don’t love me or I don’t love you. What’s the answer? To keep it best in secret then say we don’t love each other” — has further stoked speculation of an imminent move, interpreted by many as a symbolic goodbye to Spanish football.

Reports in Turkey suggest Beşiktaş are monitoring his situation closely, with a potential loan move under discussion, although talks remain in the early stages.

Sadiq, who is currently vacationing in Nigeria, remains a player of notable value — rated at €5 million — but unless a breakthrough occurs soon, he risks another season on the sidelines.