Crystal Palace’s deadline-day capture of Christantus Uche has left deep marks in Spain, with Getafe defender Djené Dakonam admitting the Nigerian star's exit was a bitter blow inside the dressing room, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uche, 22, only joined Getafe from Ceuta last summer for €500,000 but quickly became one of La Liga’s breakout performers, contributing four goals and six assists in his debut campaign.
His pace, versatility and eye for a final pass caught the attention of Premier League clubs, with Wolves circling before Palace struck a late loan deal with the option to make the transfer permanent for around €20m.
But Getafe strongman Djené revealed the squad made every effort to keep him.
“We loved him very much, we wanted him to stay. But the president decided that the best thing for the club was for Uche to leave, and that’s what happened,” the Togo international said as per Fichajes.
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Getafe’s financial struggles meant the board ultimately prioritised the transfer fee over sentiment. The deal, however, is not yet permanent.
Palace secured Uche on a season-long loan with a clause that could turn into an obligation if he starts at least 10 games.
Ceuta president Luhay Hamido, whose club retained a percentage of Uche’s future sale, explained the fine print.
“Uche’s money has not yet arrived; he has to play ten games as a starter for the purchase to count, if not, he returns to Getafe again,” Hamido told Club Deportivo.
“If he plays those ten games, the loan with the right to buy is mandatory, and the corresponding percentage would be counted in chapter one of the salary cap. If it is before the winter market, we could use it.”
With Palace facing at least 20 matches before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in December, manager Oliver Glasner has enough opportunities to hand Uche the starts he needs.
For now, the midfielder has made two substitute appearances, against Sunderland in the Premier League and Millwall in the Carabao Cup, and is waiting for his first start in English football.
