Sadiq In Negotiations With Alavés As Almería Eyes Return Move

Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq is in discussions with Deportivo Alavés over a potential summer move, even as his former club Almería have also renewed their interest in bringing him back ahead of the new season.

According to Onda Vasca, the 27-year-old is currently in contact with Alaves as the Basque club look to bolster their attacking options following the departure of Joaquín Panichelli to Strasbourg for €16.5m.

With only Asier Villalibre and Toni Martínez available to coach Eduardo Coudet, the club’s technical director Sergio Fernandez has made signing a new striker a priority.

Sadiq is in conversations with the Vitoria-Gasteiz side, affirming Alavés’ intent to pursue the Nigerian, despite Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay recently suggesting the player could still remain at the San Sebastian-based club.

Sadiq, who joined Real Sociedad in 2022 from Almería for €20m, has struggled to settle following a long injury layoff after an anterior cruciate ligament tear in September of that year.

A six-month loan spell at Valencia earlier this year helped him regain form, as he scored six goals to help the club avoid relegation.

While Alaves continue negotiations, they are also considering other targets, including Lucas Boyé, while Mariano Diaz remains in pre-season contention but is not being considered a formal signing.

Meanwhile, Almería have re-entered the race for Sadiq, who played a starring role in their promotion to La Liga in 2022.

The Andalusian club see him as the ideal striker to spearhead their bid for a return to the top flight after relegation.