I’m hungry for success at Valencia, Sadiq says after loan move

Umar Sadiq has said that he has a lot of hunger to succeed at Valencia who officially unveiled their new loan signing on Saturday afternoon.

The Super Eagles striker said this after completing his move to Valencia, joining from Real Sociedad on a half-season loan deal.

Valencia confirmed the loan signing of Sadiq on Saturday morning in a statement on their official website and social media platforms.

“Valencia CF have reached an agreement with Real Sociedad for the signing of Sadiq Umar until June 30, 2025,” the club announced.

Valencia’s new manager, Carlos Corberan gave the green light for the move, with Sociedad also happy to offload a player that is no longer in their plans.

After injury effectively ended Sadiq’s La Real career before it had even begun in 2022, he has been on the back foot in San Sebastian after scoring only three goals in the 2023/24 season.

La Real signalled their intention to let him go, and Valencia seized the opportunity with the 27-year-old joining until the end of the campaign.

The new arrival spoke to the media in a press conference at his official presentation on Saturday, expressing his readiness to succeed at Valencia due to the hunger he has.

On the decision to sign for Valencia, Sadiq said: “When I started talking to Miguel Ángel Corona, I realised that there was a lot in common between Valencia 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.”

Speaking on the contact from the club, the Nigerian international stated: “They have been in contact with me for about three weeks now.

“Valencia is one of the biggest clubs in Spain and we are both in the same situation of hunger and growth.”

When asked what he feels about the team, Sadiq said: “It is true that
Valencia’s position at the moment is not where they normally are. Valencia is hungry as was shown yesterday (on Friday) against Real Madrid but we were unlucky.”

On the new coach, Carlos Corberán, the striker said: “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. The most important thing is to focus on the work by the team.”

Talking about his experience at Sociedad, he said: “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.”

On the knee injury he sustained in 2022, Sadiq said: “I suffered a serious knee injury. I was at my best before but now, I feel 100% physically, what I need is regular football.”

When asked what his best formation is, he replied: “As a striker, what I want is to score goals and get the best results possible.”

As part of the agreement, Valencia has a purchase clause of less than €10 million this summer, as per Marca with the club also paying a €1m loan fee.

Valencia has scored just 17 goals from 18 league games this season and new manager, Corberan will be hoping Sadiq can turn that form around.