Sadiq Umar, has dismissed claims that he was signed by Spanish side, Real Sociedad as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who left the club in the summer for Newcastle United, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Sadiq joined the Reale Arena outfits in a deal worth €26m plus-add-ons and a 15 per cent sell-on clause until the 2027/28 season having just helped the Rojiblancos secure promotion to the Spanish topflight.
The 26-year-old started the season in fine form, scoring three goals in five matches before suffering a season-threatened injury.
In a chat with The Hindsight Podcast, Sadiq said he doesn’t consider himself a replacement for the Newcastle forward.
“The way we inside football see it is different from the way other people outside football see it,” he said.
“I don’t see it as a replacement or a big money transfer, and will now start giving myself under pressure. I see it as a normal transfer.
“I came here to play good football, to help the team and to show myself.”
While the Nigerian is yet to return to action, Isak, who also had his fair share of injury is back in form and scoring goals for Newcastle.
The Swedish international has scored 10 goals in 15 matches for the Premier League side this season.
Isak spent three seasons with Sociedad in the city of San Sebastián and made 132 appearances for the club, he scored a total of 44 goals and provided 8 assists.
His outstanding play for the Spanish team inspired Newcastle to offer Sociedad a record deal of €70m.
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