Sadiq Opts for Pay Cut to Force Valencia Return in Time for World Cup Push

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has reportedly accepted a 30 per cent pay reduction to facilitate a return to Valencia this summer, aiming to reignite his career ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Nigerian international agreed to waive part of his salary to persuade Real Sociedad to approve a loan deal with Los Che.

The 28 year old, who enjoyed a short loan spell at Valencia during the latter half of last season, is keen to rejoin the Mestalla outfit. He was notably absent from Real Sociedad’s squad during last Saturday’s La Liga opener against Valencia, a move that has only intensified speculation over an imminent switch.

Desperate for regular game time, Sadiq is determined to finalise the transfer before Valencia’s match against Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium. He harbours fond memories of that venue, where he scored an ingenious back-heeled goal in March—later voted La Liga’s Goal of the Month. That 87th-minute effort earned Valencia a vital 3-3 draw and helped them stave off relegation concerns.

With less than two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, Sadiq remains hopeful that a return to Valencia could revive his prospects of earning a recall to the Super Eagles squad for the September qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda.

Editorial

We see in Sadiq’s bold decision the resolute commitment of a player determined to reclaim his momentum. By voluntarily sacrificing a significant portion of his earnings, he demonstrates a willingness to prioritise competitive minutes and personal growth over financial comfort. It is a statement that speaks volumes in today’s football landscape, where contracts are often sacrosanct.

His absence from the Real Sociedad starting lineup seems less a managerial oversight and more a tactical cue a signal that the time for change has arrived. The move to Valencia isn’t just about match appearances it reads as a strategic career reset. That back-heeled goal at El Sadar voted La Liga Goal of the Month—still lingers in memory it was a reminder of his flair, creativity and impact. We believe that reviving that spark in familiar surroundings could be just what he needs.

Looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers, Sadiq’s return to form carries dual significance: personal redemption and national ambition. Nigeria will soon need every bit of attacking ingenuity to navigate the challenges of qualifying. A motivated, match-sharp Sadiq could be an invaluable asset. His actions suggest he understands that truth—and we stand with the idea that seizing this opportunity may be exactly what both he and the Super Eagles require right now.

Did You Know?

1. Valencia CF is one of only three clubs to have won La Liga at least six times without being based in either Madrid or Barcelona.
2. Sadiq Umar previously played in Spain’s second division, the Segunda División, before earning top-flight moves his career includes spells at clubs like Almería and CD Lugo.
3. The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia is one of Spain’s oldest football grounds, inaugurated in 1923, making it over a century old.
4. A back-heel goal similar to Sadiq’s has been dubbed the “zsura-heel” in some football circles, honoured after a famous such finish by Hungarian player Pál Zsura in the 1990s.
5. Real Sociedad’s youth academy, Zubieta, is internationally renowned for producing talent such as Xabi Alonso, Antoine Griezmann and Mikel Oyarzabal.