Real Sociedad have omitted Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq from their pre-season squad for the club’s summer tour of Japan, intensifying rumours surrounding his potential exit from the La Liga side.
The 28-year-old, who joined from Almería in 2022 for a reported €20 million, has yet to establish himself at the San Sebastián-based club. His absence from the list of players announced on Sunday supports reports from Spanish media that new manager Sergio Francisco does not see Sadiq fitting into his tactical plans for the upcoming campaign.
Sadiq was also left out of Sociedad’s recent friendly fixture against French side Pau FC, hinting at the possibility of his exclusion from the Japan trip.
Levante-EMV reported: “This decision indicates that the 28-year-old forward is not part of coach Sergio Francisco’s plans, which brings his departure from the txuri-urdin team even closer.”
Insiders at the club reveal that Sociedad’s management is currently assessing options for the striker, who still has two years remaining on his contract.
Sadiq spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, scoring six goals in 19 matches — a performance that reignited interest in him from various clubs both in Spain and abroad.
Although Valencia remains keen on re-signing the forward permanently, financial constraints are said to be hindering progress. Sociedad are reportedly demanding around €9 million to offload the Nigerian international, hoping to recoup part of their investment.
Levante-EMV added: “His incorporation back to the team is unfeasible at this time in the market. The club remains interested and is awaiting any movement that could facilitate its arrival in the future.”
“Valencia can acquire his services but will have to wait until the end of the summer market because the operation is more economical for them.”
Since his arrival, Sadiq’s time at Sociedad has been marred by injuries and inconsistent displays, limiting his opportunities to secure a regular starting role.