Rangers flop Umar Sadiq is flying again at Spanish Segunda Division club UD Almeria and could finally fire them to promotion this season.
Sadiq joined Almeria from Partizan Belgrade in October 2020 and the move has worked out very well for him.
He’s been prolific in the Spanish second tier, leading to reported interest from big European clubs and earning him international recognition.
The 25-year-old – who failed to score for Rangers during a disastrous loan spell in 2018 – made his senior Nigeria debut at the Africa Cup of Nations last month.
He scored in a group stage victory over Guinea-Bissau but was soon back on club duty as the Super Eagles were knocked out just a few days later by Tunisia.
Rangers flop Sadiq flying at Almeria
Sadiq had struggled in front of goal from mid-October to early December, but he scored in a win over Real Zaragoza prior to the AFCON and since his return, he’s netted four goals and notched one assist in just four appearances.
On Sunday, he bagged a brace and the Man of the Match award in a 2-1 home win over Mirandes, leaving Los Rojiblancos second in the table, just one point behind leaders Eibar.
Sadiq won’t ever be the most graceful of strikers, but his brilliant recent form and overall numbers for the season of 13 goals and eight assists from just 25 appearances [Transfermarkt], prove he’s come on leaps and bounds since his time at Ibrox.
With the top two teams automatically promoted, Almeria have a real chance of going up to La Liga after several years of disappointment, but much will depend on Sadiq.
If he can continue to deliver over the coming months, he should get a proper shot at proving himself in a top European league next season.
Meanwhile, a £5m star Rangers missed out on in January has made an outstanding start at his new club.
