Although he is yet to score in seven La Liga appearances this season, Nigeria international Sadiq Umar has pledged to deliver goals for relegation-threatened Valencia following his loan move from Real Sociedad.
Valencia completed their first transfer under coach Carlos Corberan on Saturday, securing Sadiq on loan after an injury-plagued stint at Real Sociedad, where he netted just three goals last season.
As part of the agreement, Valencia reportedly have an option to purchase the 27-year-old striker for less than €10m this summer, in addition to paying a €1m loan fee.
With only 17 goals from 18 league matches so far this season, Corberan will be hoping that Sadiq can help revive the team’s attacking form.
“As a striker, what I want is to score goals and get the best results possible,” Umar stated in his first official presser even as he lamented his torrid time at Real Sociedad. “All players need continuity and I haven’t had that at La Real. Coaches make their decisions, which I respect, but I have to keep moving and I hope to do my best. I wish the best for Real Sociedad too.
“I suffered a serious knee injury. I was at my best before, but now I feel 100% physically, what I need is regular football.”
Umar reiterated his decision to sign for the struggling Valencia, adding he has an insatiable hunger as the willingness of the club to survive their present predicament.
He continued: “When I started talking to Miguel Ángel Corona, I realised that there was a lot in common between Valencia CF and me, because I have a lot of hunger. I have also seen that, due to the situation of the club, there is also a lot of hunger here, and I saw this coinciding in motivation that made me choose to come here.”
“They have been in contact with me for about three weeks now. Valencia CF are one of the biggest clubs in Spain and we are both in the same situation of hunger and growth.” =
Valencia new coach, Corberan shocked West Brom when he departed over Christmas and Umar has commended the team’s effort despite suffering a late 2-1 loss at home against Real Madrid in his first match in charge last Friday.
“It is true that Valencia CF’s position at the moment is not where they normally are. Valencia CF are hungry, as was shown yesterday against Real Madrid, but we were unlucky,” he added. “I have spoken to him and he has explained what they need from me. They need us all to fight. That is the mission: To fight for Valencia CF. The most important thing is to focus on the work by the team.”
