Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has urged Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq to seek a move away from Real Sociedad in January, insisting the forward deserves more respect and regular playing time at this stage of his career, Footynaija.com reports.
Sadiq has endured a frustrating start to the 25/26 season, featuring for only 14 minutes across two games despite being fully fit and available for selection. The 28-year-old is far behind the pecking order under Sergio Francisco and now finds himself fighting for relevance in San Sebastian.
Lawal, who was also a forward during his playing days, believes Sadiq has too much quality to be wasting away on the sidelines and has advised the lanky striker to consider a permanent exit from Real Sociedad at the turn of the year.
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What Garba Lawal said
“Sadiq needs to leave because it’s clear he’s no longer seen as an important player at the club,” Lawal said in an interview with Footy-Africa. “I thought after doing well with Valencia last season, he would have become the main man for Sociedad, but that’s not the case.
“For me, Sadiq is a very good player who can score goals — he’s shown that already. All he needs is the opportunity and confidence to perform. Look at what he did in Serbia and at Almeria; that shows a good run of form guarantees goals wherever he plays.
“I hope to speak to him soon, but right now, at this stage of his career, he needs to be playing regularly. He’s a good player and deserves more respect and game time. If a move away from the club in January is possible, I think he should go.”
Sadiq had raised expectations after an impressive loan spell at Valencia in the second half of last season, with his performances hinting at a return to form.
That spell appeared to have reignited his career, with many anticipating that he would either establish himself at Sociedad or secure a permanent move elsewhere during the summer transfer window, however, neither scenario materialized.
