Soccer
Umar Sadiq centre-forward of Real Sociedad and Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq is keen to rejoin Valencia but the Spanish side may be putting together alternative transfer plans
Valencia CF are ready to switch their striker focus from Umar Sadiq to fellow Nigerian forward Josh Maja, Soccernet.ng reports.
Manager Carlos Corberán is pushing for the West Bromwich Albion star as his preferred summer target, according to EGD.
The LaLiga campaigners have been linked with Umar Sadiq for much of the transfer window, exploring the possibility of a second loan from Real Sociedad after his successful spell at Mestalla last season.
The 27-year-old’s goals were crucial in keeping Valencia out of the relegation zone, yet the club opted not to sign him permanently and have since kept talks with Sociedad open.
However, Maja has reportedly now emerged as a leading candidate to spearhead Valencia’s attack.
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The 26-year-old forward enjoyed a prolific start to last season with West Brom, scoring 12 goals in his first 26 matches before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.
Now fully fit, Maja made a late cameo in the Baggies’ opening Championship fixture against Derby County.
Maja’s career has taken him from youth stints at Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Manchester City to senior football in England and France, where he shone for Sunderland and Bordeaux.
Born in Lewisham to Nigerian parents, Maja was eligible for England but committed his international future to Nigeria, debuting for the Super Eagles in a 2019 friendly against Ukraine.
Corberán is said to value Maja’s mobility, link-up play, and natural finishing, attributes he believes would fit seamlessly into Valencia’s attacking system.
The Spanish club are keen to add a proven scorer before the transfer deadline, with Maja’s contract situation adding intrigue. He is tied to West Brom until 2026 but will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January unless a new deal is agreed.
For Valencia, securing a striker of Maja’s profile is seen as a priority in what promises to be a demanding season in LaLiga.
Maja is one of only a few Nigerians to have scored in the Premier League, Championship, Ligue 1, and Ligue 2.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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