Nigeria and Valencia striker Sadiq Umar has been rewarded for his distinctive performances in March with nominations for 2 of La Liga’s most prestigious awards, Soccernet.ng experiences.
The Tremendous Eagles ahead is among the many contenders for the La Liga Participant of the Month and Objective of the Month awards, following his quick influence since becoming a member of Valencia on mortgage from Actual Sociedad.
Regardless of one spherical of fixtures nonetheless remaining in March, La Liga has introduced the ultimate shortlist for the Participant of the Month, with Sadiq making the minimize alongside Actual Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Actual Betis playmaker Isco, Celta Vigo’s Marcos Alonso, and Rayo Vallecano’s Pedro Díaz.
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 19, 2025
Sadiq has performed an important function in Valencia’s revival following their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Barcelona in February.
Since then, Valencia have clawed their manner again into the battle for La Liga survival, amassing 12 factors of their final seven video games—yet one more than each Atlético Madrid and Actual Madrid over the identical interval.
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Umar Sadiq: Valencia’s key man
Valencia’s resurgence has been largely pushed by the attacking duo of Sadiq and Diego López. The pair have mixed to attain all the membership’s targets of their final 5 La Liga matches, with Sadiq’s contribution proving invaluable.
Within the 1-1 draw towards Villarreal, the Nigerian salvaged an important level with a well-taken header. Although Valencia suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid, they bounced again in gorgeous vogue towards Osasuna in early March.
That match noticed Sadiq rating twice, together with a wide ranging backheel equaliser within the 87th minute that earned Valencia a dramatic 3-3 draw. His audacious end from Sergi Canós’ low cross surprised the Osasuna defence and left the goalkeeper with no likelihood — a aim that’s now a robust contender for La Liga’s Objective of the Month award.
Sadiq continued his positive kind by netting in Valencia’s 2-0 victory over Valladolid, capitalising on a defensive error to seal the win after López had opened the scoring.
How Sadiq stacks up towards the competitors
With three targets in March, Sadiq has outscored most of his rivals for the Participant of the Month award. Solely Mbappé, who additionally scored 3 times for Actual Madrid, matches his tally. In the meantime, Isco and Alonso have every netted twice, with Díaz managing only one aim.
Whereas Mbappé and Sadiq are the large favourites for the Participant of the Month honour given his high-profile standing, the Tremendous Eagles striker is the frontrunner for the Objective of the Month prize. His elegant backheel towards Osasuna is broadly thought-about the standout strike from the nominees.
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 19, 2025
Valencia eyeing everlasting Sadiq deal
Sadiq’s spectacular performances have additionally strengthened his case for a everlasting transfer to Valencia.
The 28-year-old has now scored 4 targets in eight La Liga appearances for the membership, together with one aim within the Copa del Rey.
His influence has not gone unnoticed by Valencia’s new president, Kiat Lim, who’s critically contemplating triggering the acquisition possibility in his mortgage deal.
Beneath the phrases of the settlement with Actual Sociedad, Valencia can signal Sadiq completely for €9 million. The construction of the deal is beneficial for the membership, permitting them to pay in instalments somewhat than a lump sum.
The primary cost of €1.8 million could be due in July, adopted by related funds in February and July of 2026 and 2027.
Moreover, Valencia have already paid €0.5 million for his mortgage and can owe one other €0.5 million in the event that they safe La Liga survival. Actual Sociedad would additionally obtain additional bonuses relying on Sadiq’s targets and minutes performed.
For now, the choice rests with Valencia’s house owners in Singapore, who will decide whether or not the membership strikes forward with the €9 million deal.