Christantus Uche has been linked to Atletico Madrid and other top clubs this summer
Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche has been linked with Atletico Madrid and a host of other clubs in the last six months, and he could be on the move this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uche rose to reckoning last season after a transfer from Spanish third division club Ceuta. But despite the big jump, the 22-year-old midfielder adjusted easily to life in the top-flight and quickly became an important player for Getafe.
Last season, Uche featured in 38 games, and put up four goals and seven assists. One of his goals was what even kept Getafe in the LaLiga.
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The Nigerian's rare mixture of sheer grit, pace, dribbling, and technicality made him one of the young stars to watch in Spain last season. Also, he was used in different positions and performed well. Uche played as a striker, an attacking midfielder, and a center midfielder.
Due to his impressive performances, Uche was linked to top sides like Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle in the January transfer window, but it did not work out.
This summer, the speculations have not stopped, as Uche has been linked with Sunderland and Atletico Madrid. But neither the club nor the player have come out to confirm anything.
Meanwhile it appears that there might be some friction between both parties. In an interview reported by Soccernet.ng last week, Getafe president Angel Torres was asked about Uche, but his response implies that the club and the player are not on the same page.
“Uche doesn't even know what he wants, it all depends on how he feels when he wakes up. Tomorrow [today], if he comes in, we'll talk to him. It's clear he wants to go to the Premier League.
He has offers from Italy, but for some reason, he wants to go to the Premier League. He'll tell us,” Torres said.
Now, in a new development, Futbol Fantasy reports that the Super Eagles star has been missing from Getafe's first two days of pre-season training. But the club has not release any statement on him yet to explain his absence.
While Uche's absence could just be due to illness, lack of fitness, or personal issues, it could also mean that he is trying to force a move away from the club.
Players usually refuse to report for pre-season when they want out, and this could just be the case with Uche, especially if his head has been turned by a bigger club. But nothing is confirmed yet.
Getafe will play their first game on July 18 against Preston North End.
