Former Reading and Almería manager José Gomes has thrown his support behind Nigeria international Umar Sadiq, backing the striker to rediscover his best form at Valencia after a promising start to life at the Mestalla, Footynaija.com reports.
Sadiq, on loan from Real Sociedad, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, scoring three goals in La Liga and another in the Copa del Rey despite playing just 275 minutes for Valencia this season.
The 27-year-old’s brace in the 3-1 victory over Osasuna — capped by a stunning individual effort — has made him the club’s most efficient goalscorer based on minutes played.
His form has not gone unnoticed, with Gomes — who coached Sadiq at Almería — confident the forward can be a key figure in Valencia’s fight for survival.
Umar Sadiq (28) with a fantastic finish for Valencia against Osasuna! pic.twitter.com/RiwVLCWyVj
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 5, 2025
“He has almost everything you look for in a striker,” Gomes told VCF Radio as per Estadio Deportivo. “He is an incredible worker and has his character, identity and a huge heart. He gives his life for the team he is playing for. He is a very ‘heavy’ striker for the centre-backs.
“There are goals that come when he presses. I see him doing very well. I think he is going to help Valencia a lot and help them achieve the season’s objectives. What I see is that he is happy. People are showing him affection.”
Sadiq’s journey at Valencia is a turning point after a difficult spell at Real Sociedad, where injuries and inconsistent form limited his impact.
If the Super Eagles star continues his current streak, Valencia could make his move permanent at the end of the season.
The initial loan deal includes a purchase option worth €9.5m, payable in instalments over three years — a structure that could make the transfer feasible for the cash-strapped club.
However, the agreement also includes performance-related clauses that could see Valencia pay an additional €1m if Sadiq features in more than 60% of the club’s matches and if the club avoids relegation.
Umar Sadiq for Real Sociedad:
— HF World (@hfworld_) March 2, 2025
• 50 games
• 4 goals
Umar Sadiq for Valencia:
• 10 games
• 4 goals
A good loan spell. pic.twitter.com/wY0LglzFT2
Gomes, who witnessed Sadiq’s best spell at Almería — where the Nigerian netted 41 goals across two seasons — believes his former protégé is built to thrive under pressure.
“The first few weeks didn’t go very well because he came after Darwin Núñez (left for Liverpool in 2020), people were doubtful,” Gomes recalled. “But we prepared some defining tasks at the end of each training session. We did a phenomenal job and we have a very good relationship, a special affection. He deserves the best.”
Despite his unorthodox running style, Gomes insisted that Sadiq’s raw physicality and hunger for goals make him a nightmare for defenders.
“I saw those characteristics: speed and aggressiveness in moments of generating or defining the goal action. Although he is not elegant in his way of running, he is effective. He scores a lot of goals. He gives everything for the team. He came with great enthusiasm.”
Sadiq’s impressive form has quickly won over Valencia supporters, who have shown him affection both on and off the pitch. As the club battles to avoid relegation, the Nigerian’s goals could prove decisive — and potentially convince the club’s hierarchy to trigger the option to sign him permanently.
