“It’s not an option” – Real Sociedad boss speaks on transfer rumours concerning Super Eagles star Umar Sadiq

The Nigeria international could look to engineer a move away from the Spanish club as he searches for more playing time

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has poured cold waters on rumors linking Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq with a move away from the club, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sadiq joined Real Sociedad from Almeria last year and instantly became a fan favourite after scoring two goals in his first three games.

But the 26-year-old strike suffered a terrible injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

The former Glasgow Rangers signing has worked his way back to fitness this term but has found playing time hard to come by.

Sadiq has featured in 11 La Liga games, but only three times has he been in the starting lineup, clocking only 291 minutes of action and claiming a solitary assist.

The Super Eagles striker was in the first eleven on Saturday as Real Sociedad defeated Almeria 3-1, but he was replaced at halftime.

And during the post-match press conference, coach Alguacil waved rumours of Sadiq possibly leaving the club during the winter transfer window, insisting that he is pleased with the Nigerian’s output.

“It’s not an option,” the Basque coach said. “The one who wants him is me, and I understand that he is happy to be here despite the few minutes.

“He comes from an injury; he plays in a Champions League-level team, which is why he doesn’t have much space.”

Despite the lack of much playing time at his club, Sadiq has been called up for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers in November.