Leave Real Sociedad for Elche — 1996 Olympic gold medalist advises Sadiq Umar

Sadiq Umar and Ex Super Eagles star Garba Lawal [Photo credit/IMAGO]

The future of Real Sociedad and Super Eagles striker, Sadiq Umar, is uncertain, as the La Liga side look to offload him…

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has weighed in on the uncertain future of Real Sociedad forward, Sadiq Umar, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lawal, who had a successful stint with Dutch side Roda JC, urged the Super Eagles striker to focus on securing regular first-team football as he edges closer to a Real Sociedad exit.

Sadiq is currently at the centre of transfer interest from Spanish side Elche CF and Turkish club Samsunspor. Real Sociedad are reportedly keen to offload the Nigerian forward permanently, having ruled out another loan spell.

Speaking exclusively to Africafoot, the 1996 Olympic gold medallist with Nigeria, emphasised on the importance of playing time for Sadiq at this stage of his career.

“Sadiq has great qualities that many teams could benefit from. I’m convinced he still has plenty of goals to score,” Lawal said. “What he needs now is regular first-team play, something I doubt Real Sociedad can offer him. It’s not a question of talent, but rather of the playing system — this club doesn’t play with a true pivotal centre forward.”

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The former Lobi Stars striker further revealed he has maintained regular contact with Sadiq during his challenging spell at Sociedad, where he has encouraged him to stay focused.

“When he was lacking playing time, I always encouraged him not to give up. I told him to keep working hard and stay ready. Football has its ups and downs,” Lawal added.

While both Elche and Samsunspor are set to lock horns for the signature of the Super Eagles attacker, Lawal believes the decision should come down to where he will play regularly.

“He’s a determined player who wants to play. If Elche or another club offers him regular playing time, he should go for it. At this stage of his career, that’s what matters most, and I know he still has a lot to offer,” the former Super Eagles star concluded.

Sadiq, under contract with Real Sociedad until 2028, spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia. However, a permanent move away from the Basque side now looks increasingly likely as negotiations gather pace.