Umar Sadiq will start for Almeria against La Liga champions Real Madrid on Sunday, according to manager Joan Francesc Rubi.
Villarreal is the favorite to sign Sadiq, who is anticipated to leave the Rojiblancos this summer.
The Yellow Submarine are reportedly in negotiation with Almeria to finalize the move.
But despite the uncertainty surrounding Sadiq’s future at the club, Rubi has declared that the Nigeria international will feature in their season opener against Carlo Ancelloti’s men.
“Sadiq will be in the eleven on Sunday unless he stumbles tomorrow and falls. That’s all I’ll say,” Rubi told a press conference.
The 25-year-old has scored 41 goals in 81 league appearances for Almeria.