The Sporting Director of LaLiga side Valencia Miguel Ángel ‘Corona’ has defended the decision of the club to sign Nigeria international forward Sadiq Umar on loan from Real Sociedad, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Sadiq was signed by Valencia as they bid to get out of the relegation zone despite the fact that he hasn’t had much game time this season, and currently has no goals to his name.
Fans were quick to question the rationale behind signing the 27 year old but the club in the announcement of his signing on their official website made it clear why he was signed.
“Sadiq Umar (Kaduna, Nigeria – 2 February 1997) is now a Valencia CF player. The forward arrives after his time at Real Sociedad to bring strength, power and goals to the Valencian attack”, the statement reads.
When Corona appeared before the press in his unveiling ceremony, the director added further explanation on the signing of the Nigerian.
“Welcome Sadiq and thank you for your trust. We have been talking for a few weeks and it is a huge satisfaction that we can now present you as a Valencia CF player just after the transfer market has started. We believe that you will contribute a lot to us in that attacking front, you will give us many options, being compatible with all the players we have in the squad and accustomed to and having played, on occasions, up front and alone. We have a lot of confidence, we know that you will help us”, he explained.
He assured Sadiq that he will definitely get the game time that made him to join the team on a short term deal, which can be made permanent in the summer based on certain variables agreed between all parties involved in the deal.
“We wish you all the luck in the world and you are at the coach’s full disposal from now on. Today, in fact, you came to do a training session despite the fact that it was not scheduled for the group and it is one more example, as you have been showing me during these weeks of conversations, of the desire you had to join our project and wear the Valencia CF shirt.”
Daniel Martins
