Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq has confirmed that he will be leaving Valencia at the conclusion of the current season, bringing an end to his short-term loan with the Spanish club.
The 27-year-old arrived at the Mestalla in January from Real Sociedad and made 16 appearances across all competitions, netting five goals during his brief stint in Valencia colours.
Despite making a noticeable impact, the club has opted not to exercise the €10 million purchase option included in his loan agreement.
Sadiq took to social media to share the news of his departure and to express his gratitude to the club and its supporters. Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “Mission accomplished! Representing this great Valencia with love, pride and passion makes me so proud.”
The striker’s message reflected a tone of satisfaction and appreciation, highlighting his emotional connection with the team during his time in the Spanish city.
Valencia’s sporting director, Miguel Ángel Corona, also praised Sadiq’s contributions, noting the positive impression the Nigerian made during his loan spell.
“Above all, we want to confirm our objective. That’s the most important thing. We are very satisfied with Sadiq. His numbers speak for themselves,” Corona said.
Sadiq’s arrival at Valencia came at a crucial moment in the season, with the club looking to bolster its attacking options in the second half of the campaign.
The forward’s presence provided manager Rubén Baraja with added depth and physicality up front, and he responded with several key performances that helped the team secure valuable points.
Despite these contributions, the decision not to make the move permanent indicates that Valencia will look to pursue other options in the transfer market as they prepare for the next campaign.
Sadiq, meanwhile, is set to return to Real Sociedad, where his long-term future remains uncertain following his limited opportunities at the club prior to his loan move.
Throughout his time at Valencia, Sadiq displayed flashes of the quality that has seen him play across top European leagues, including Serie A, La Liga, and the Dutch Eredivisie.
His ability to hold up play, link with midfielders, and score decisive goals earned him praise from both fans and pundits, even if his stay was relatively short.
The forward’s journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability, and while his time in Valencia was brief, it added another chapter to a career defined by determination and versatility.
His next steps, whether back in Sociedad’s plans or elsewhere, will be closely followed by those who have watched his progression over the years.
As Valencia now looks ahead to reshaping its squad for the 2025/2026 season, Sadiq departs having left a respectable mark in just five months.
For the player, the return to Real Sociedad presents either a fresh start or another opportunity elsewhere—one that will undoubtedly be watched with interest in both Spain and Nigeria.
