There is every indication that Almeria star Sadiq Umar will be switching to Villareal this summer.
The former AS Roma striker has been a subject of transfer discussions for top European clubs that are eager to sign him this season.
However, one of such clubs that have gone beyond the confines of a wish, are the Yellow Submarine after being overwhelmed with the Nigeria international’s performance last season which earned the Andulasian club promotion to Spain’s top flight division. Also, Umar is fond of Villarreal and will welcome a move to unite with Unai Emery.
Last season in the second-tier division, Umar starred for Almeria, netting 18 times to complement Rojiblancos’ return to La Liga after 7 years away.
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Umar’s sudden rise in European football has continued to shock Rangers that regarded the star striker as a flop to cut short his loan spell at Ibrox. When at Ibrox, the star striker featured only four times for the Gers before moving to AC Perugia Calcio in Italy on loan.
Reportedly, Almeria valued Umar at €30 million and expect Villarreal to meet their target before its prized asset can be allowed to switch allegiance to Estadio de la Ceramica.
Moreover, Almeria CEO Mohamed El Assy, having completed the signing of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso from Premier League side Tottenham on Sunday, has turned his attention to Umar.
Recently in an interview, the in-form striker revealed how he was treated badly by Steven Gerrard who was then, the club’s manager.
He said a time came when he was ostracised from the first team’s dressing room with a directive to change with the kids.
Umar added that he was later banned from parking his car inside the sports centre and sometimes he would return from training sobbing.
“Suddenly I was told I couldn’t use the first-team changing room anymore. I had to change with the kids and a few days later I was even banned from parking my car inside the sports centre,” Sadiq told Sunday Post.
In a twist of fate, the player who was once rejected at Rangers, processing several loan deals across Europe, is about to become the biggest sale in history for Almeria.
