Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has urged Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar to prioritise regular first-team football as he faces an uncertain future at the Spanish club.
The 1996 Olympic gold medallist advised the Super Eagles forward to consider a move to Spanish side Elche CF, where he would likely get more playing time.
Sadiq has great qualities that many teams could benefit from. I’m convinced he still has plenty of goals to score, Lawal told Africafoot exclusively.
What he needs now is regular first-team play, something I doubt Real Sociedad can offer him.
The former Lobi Stars striker explained that Sadiq’s struggles at Sociedad are not due to a lack of talent but rather the club’s playing system.
It’s not a question of talent, but rather of the playing system — this club doesn’t play with a true pivotal centre forward, Lawal said.
Real Sociedad are reportedly keen to offload the Nigerian forward permanently, having ruled out another loan spell. Both Elche and Turkish club Samsunspor are interested in securing his signature.
Lawal, who maintained regular contact with Sadiq during his challenging spell at Sociedad, revealed he has been encouraging the striker to stay focused.
When he was lacking playing time, I always encouraged him not to give up. I told him to keep working hard and stay ready. Football has its ups and downs, he added.
Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor have already opened official talks with Real Sociedad over the transfer of the 28-year-old forward, with club president Yüksel Yıldırım reportedly approving the move.
However, Lawal believes the decision should come down to where Sadiq will play regularly.
He’s a determined player who wants to play. If Elche or another club offers him regular playing time, he should go for it. At this stage of his career, that’s what matters most, and I know he still has a lot to offer,” the former Super Eagles star concluded.
Sadiq, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, remains under contract with Real Sociedad until 2028.
