Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Nigerian attacking midfielder Christantus Uche from La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
The 22-year-old will wear the No. 12 shirt at Selhurst Park.
Uche enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Spain last season, making 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing seven assists for Getafe. His performances also earned him recognition at senior international level with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The move caps a remarkable rise for Uche, who was playing in the Spanish fifth division with Moralo CP as recently as 2022, he later moved to third-tier AD Ceuta before joining Getafe in 2024, where he quickly adapted to top-flight football.
“This moment is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be here today and this club is a big opportunity for me,” Uche told Palace’s official website.
Uche becomes Palace’s fifth summer signing, joining Walter Benítez, Borna Sosa, Yeremy Pino, and Jaydee Canvot in Oliver Glasner’s squad rebuild.
The Eagles have also had to cope with the departure of talisman Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, making Uche’s arrival a welcome attacking boost.
Praised for his versatility, Uche can operate as a centre-forward or in a deeper midfield role, offering Glasner valuable flexibility as Palace prepare for both domestic and European competition this season.
Getafe net huge profit from Uche deal
Last summer, Getafe signed Uche from AD Ceuta for a mere €500k, and just over 12 months on, they have sold him on for 40 times that amount.
It is a fantastic piece of business from Los Azulones, who will now use these funds to help with their sustainability.
It will be interesting to see how Uche gets on in the Premier League, and there are sure to be many Getafe supporters keeping tabs on his efforts at Crystal Palace.
There is sure to be a bittersweet feeling about him no longer playing at the Coliseum.