Record Portuguese champions Benfica want Super Eagles star to replace Barcelona-linked Darwin Núñez

One of Portugal’s most successful clubs has turned its attention to Nigeria’s most valuable player in the second-tier of the Spanish league system

Record 37-time Primeira Liga winners Benfica have identified Almeria striker Umar Sadiq as their primary transfer target ahead of a potentially busy summer.

Portugal’s A Bola, quoting Italy’s Tutto Mercato Web, reports that Benfica want Sadiq to replace forward Darwin Núñez, who has been attracting suitors from far and near, most notably Barcelona, following a stellar season.

The Uruguayan star has smashed 21 goals in 23 league games while impressively adding five goals in nine UEFA Champions League matches.

Remarkably, Núñez came to the limelight at Almeria before the Spanish side sold him to Benfica in 2020 and replaced him with Sadiq.

And with Sadiq also enjoying an excellent campaign in the Segunda Division, Benfica are back to snap up the Super Eagles star, repeating a strategy that has worked so well for them.

In 73 official matches for Almeria, Sadiq has recorded 38 goals and 17 assists for an incredible 55-goal contribution.

While Barcelona-linked Núñez only left Almeria for €24 million, Benfica may have to pay twice more to get the deal for Sadiq done, with the Spaniards not particularly keen on moving on a striker whose contract runs through to 2025.