Former Barcelona fullback Gbenga Okunowo has underlined that 2016 Olympics bronze medalist Umar Sadiq should join a  La Liga team where he is assured of playing time.

The lanky striker is a subject of interest from two of the so-called big five clubs in La Liga in the shape of Sevilla and Valencia after a banner season that saw him score a remarkable 28 goals in 56 games combined for Partizan Belgrade and Almeria.

Though Sadiq has a release clause of 60 million euros, Almeria are willing to discuss with clubs who offer as from 20 million euros to sign their prized jewel.

Asked which of the clubs he would prefer Sadiq to join, Okunowo told allnigeriasoccer.com : "It depends on him because he can play against these teams in the Copa Del Rey, sometimes La Liga teams have games against Segunda Division clubs in the Cup.

"Sadiq is in this country and knows about the teams. It is good for him to move to one of the teams that suits his game.

"I don't advise him to go where he will have problems being in the first team. You may be able to play in Barcelona and Benfica but you go to another club and you don't fit into their system.

"Your price tag will go down if you don't play for your club".

Okunowo went on to reveal what Sadiq stands to benefit from joining either Sevilla or Valencia.

"Sevilla is a good club, it is one of the strong teams in Spain and they always try to win something, go to Champions League or Europa League.

"It is a team that everybody respects. If you have to play them you have to sit tight.

"Valencia for some years they have looked shaky but Valencia too is good and it is good for a young player to play there so if he wants to make a good name as a young player he can play there."

Okunowo was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that reached the final of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, he also represented Nigeria at the U20 World Cup and Olympic Games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : udalmeriasad.com