Umar Sadiq joins Gerrard’s Rangers

Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq has completed a 1-year loan deal to Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers from Italian Serie A side AS Roma.

The 21-year-old will be teaming up with Steven Gerrard, Ranger’s new coach

Sadiq is Gerrard’s ninth signing of the summer. He now joins veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor, full-back Jon Flanagan, centre-backs Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic, midfielders Lassana Coulibaly, Scott Arfield and Ovie Ejaria, and winger Jamie Murphy in joining Rangers.

When Gerrard calls you can’t say no

Talking to Rangers TV, the Super Eagles U-23 striker affirmed that the presence of the former Liverpool star Gerrard as head coach was a big factor in his decision to move to Glasgow.

"It is very good to be here, it has been good so far and I can’t wait to start. I truly am excited to be joining Rangers, it is a historical club and I can’t wait to play here," Sadiq said.

"I found out Rangers were interested in me about a month ago when I was on holiday in Nigeria. I got a phone call from my agent and he told me about Rangers and I said let’s see what happens.

"He called me about two weeks ago and from there I started changing my mind. To be honest the plan was to stay at Roma this season but when Steven Gerrard calls you can’t say no. 

"He told me about the team; even though I already knew about Rangers and that they are the most successful team in the world. He told me about the players and said everybody would be at my side if I came here to help me and he would also help me to go forward in my career."

Sadiq, who has been with AS Roma since 2015, had loan spells at Bologna, Torino and NAC Breda. Two years ago, he won the Olympic bronze medal with Nigeria.

He arrives to Ibrox in time to participate in their Europa League first qualifying round clash against Macedonian side FK Shkupi to be played on Thursday, 12 July.