Official: Christantus Uche joins Crystal Palace as private jet waits for Nigeria World Cup duty

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche from Getafe on loan until the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 22-year-old arrives as a direct response to Eberechi Eze’s departure to Arsenal and is viewed by manager Oliver Glasner as a key reinforcement ahead of a demanding Premier League season.

Palace beat off competition from Aston Villa and Sunderland to secure Uche, who had also been close to joining Wolves before that move collapsed late in negotiations.

Uche joins Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal and he will wear the number 12 jersey. 

Uche’s rise in Spain has been remarkable. Originally signed as a central defender, he was pushed into midfield before eventually emerging as a centre forward.

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His versatility became a hallmark at Getafe, where he scored four goals and added six assists last season to help the club avoid relegation. He has already opened this campaign with a goal and an assist in the victory over Celta Vigo.

His switch to Selhurst Park makes him the sixth Nigerian to wear Palace colours, following the likes of Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, George Ndah, Dele Adebola and Ade Akinbiyi. Moses still holds the record among them with 69 appearances and 11 goals.

The deal also comes at a delicate moment for Nigeria.

Uche is expected to board a private jet to join up with the Super Eagles in Uyo ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda on 6 September and South Africa three days later.

The Super Eagles camp is already opened and Uche will look to play a key role as Nigeria aim to revive their fading World Cup hopes. 

Palace, who have already bolstered their attack with Yeremi Pino, now see Uche as part of a rebuilt forward line under Glasner.

Uche becomes the second Super Eagles star to seal a Premier League move this summer after striker Tolu Arokodare joined Wolves on deadline day.