Umar Sadiq is close to a new experience in LaLiga: Where's the next destination? | OneFootball

Nigerian Sadiq seems to want a new experience.

Umar Sadiq is close to a new experience in LaLiga: Where's the next destination?

Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq could be on the move again as Spanish side Elche reportedly eye the Nigerian forward ahead of the new season.

After an injury-plagued spell with Real Sociedad, the lanky center-forward regained some form during a loan stint at Valencia last January, netting five goals in 16 appearances—including a stunning strike that earned La Liga's "Goal of the Month" honors in March.

Now back with Sociedad for preseason preparations, Sadiq's future remains unclear. With playing time still uncertain at his parent club, Elche has emerged as a potential suitor, looking to bolster their attack with the former Almería marksman.

Africafoot reports the second-division side is weighing a move for the 27-year-old, who will hope to reignite his career after years disrupted by fitness struggles.

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has weighed in on Umar Sadiq's situation, stressing the striker’s urgent need for consistent playing time at this stage of his career. In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, the ex-midfielder didn’t mince words:

"Sadiq has the quality to make an impact at any team—his goal-scoring ability isn’t in doubt. But right now, he needs to be starting week in, week out, and Real Sociedad’s system just doesn’t suit him. They don’t use a classic target man, and that’s been his biggest hurdle."

Lawal, who shares a close bond with the 27-year-old, revealed he’s repeatedly urged Sadiq to stay resilient through setbacks:

"Whenever he was frustrated on the bench, I told him—keep your head down, keep working. Football is a rollercoaster. But talent alone isn’t enough; you need the right environment to thrive."

The 1996 Olympic gold medalist added that a move—whether to Elche or elsewhere—could be the lifeline Sadiq needs:

"He’s hungry, he wants to play. If another club guarantees him minutes, he shouldn’t hesitate. At his age, regular football is non-negotiable. And mark my words—he’s far from finished."