Umar Sadiq vows to help Valencia escape relegation

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Umar Sadiq has promised to give his all to help Valencia escape relegation from La Liga this season.

Currently sitting in 19th place with only 12 points from 18 matches, Valencia is struggling at the bottom of Spain’s top division.

The Spanish team has been desperate for reinforcements, and Sadiq’s arrival from Real Sociedad on loan is seen as a much-needed boost for the struggling side.

Sadiq, who had difficulty securing a starting position at Real Sociedad, has yet to score in seven appearances this season but is determined to make an impact at Valencia.

Speaking at his unveiling at the club’s training ground, Ciudad Deportiva in Paterna, Sadiq emphasized the strong alignment between his ambitions and Valencia’s fight for survival.

“First of all, to come here. On the first day, the coach explained everything to me. He told me how much he believed in me, and I saw what Valencia needed, which was the same as what I wanted,” Sadiq said.

“There was a coincidence between Valencia and me because I was very hungry and I saw that Valencia was too, and that made me come here.”

He acknowledged that Valencia’s current situation is far from normal, but he noted that the hunger and drive he observed in the team gave him confidence.

“It was bad luck that they did not get points, but I talked with the coach and he explained what they need from me. They need us all to fight. That is the mission: to fight for Valencia CF.”

As a striker, Sadiq made it clear that his primary focus is on scoring goals and contributing to the team’s success. “The most important thing is to focus on the team’s work. As a striker, I want to score goals and have the best possible results.”

Sadiq could make his debut for Valencia in their Copa Del Rey clash against second-tier side Eldense on Tuesday, marking the start of his efforts to help lift the team out of the relegation zone.