Manchester United are reportedly interested in Umar Sadiq as Erik ten Hag seeks a new striker ahead of the January window.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are reportedly interested in 26-year-old La Liga forward Umar Sadiq. The Nigerian has had a challenging time since joining Real Sociedad. Yet, his goalscoring prowess remains formidable as Erik ten Hag targets a new forward ahead of the next window.
If anyone does not know Umar Sadiq, he is Real Sociedad’s striker, signed from Almeria during the summer of 2022 in a €20 million deal. The fact that he remains linked to Manchester United may surprise many; the Nigerian boasts a stellar goalscoring record.
After spending two seasons with Almeira in the Segunda Division, Sadiq was instrumental in helping them achieve promotion. In their campaign back in La Liga, the 26-year-old scored two times in three games before Real Sociedad decided to take him on board, paying a €20 million fee.
Sadiq scored on his debut for Sociedad in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. An impressive performance from the bench earned him a start in the next game against Getafe. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury. The 26-year-old La Liga forward has since been slowly returning to his usual pace, but in eight games, he has failed to score.
While scouts watching the player must have kept his past record in mind, the 26-year-old La Liga forward could prove a solid acquisition. Manchester United’s interest does surprise a few, considering the club would target someone they can rely on. They are not expected to go after a player who has only returned from a serious knee injury.
The report suggests the Red Devils are keen to approach Real Sociedad for Sadiq ahead of the January window. The interest might come due to Anthony Martial’s uncertain future. Manchester United could consider offers for the Frenchman.
Erik ten Hag may look for a new striker ahead of the next window, as he wants a new option with Rasmus Hojlund. They also like Lois Openda, but the Red Devils could try in the summer of 2024 due to RB Leipzig’s unwillingness to sell now.
Manchester United are also keen on Victor Osimhen, but any deal for the Nigerian must wait until the summer. Even then, the Red Devils will have to come up with a lot of money to tempt Napoli, and with Hojlund on board, that deal may be difficult.
Hence, they might go for Osimhen’s compatriot Sadiq, with the 26-year-old La Liga forward seeming like an easy target. Real Sociedad might consider compelling offers. They could hesitate if the Nigerian picks up form between now and the start of the January window.
