Premier League sides Everton and Newcastle United have emerged as the leading contenders for Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uche’s situation has changed dramatically over the last few months following a frustrating spell in England with Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old joined Palace on loan from Getafe CF with hopes of establishing himself in the Premier League, but the move never truly worked out under manager Oliver Glasner.
Instead of becoming a regular starter, Uche struggled badly for minutes. He made 14 Premier League appearances, but every outing came from the bench. In total, he played only 169 league minutes and failed to reach the required 10 starts needed to activate Crystal Palace’s permanent transfer clause.
That means the Nigerian international will officially return to Spain this summer. However, his return has created a major financial headache for Getafe. The Spanish club had been counting on a permanent sale worth between €16 million and €20 million to help satisfy La Liga’s financial regulations.
With the Palace deal collapsing, Getafe are now under pressure to sell quickly. Uche had previously been protected by a €25 million release clause, but the Spanish side are now expected to negotiate at a lower figure to balance their books. That sudden drop in valuation has alerted clubs across Europe, especially Everton and Newcastle, according to Sportsboom.
Both Premier League clubs believe they could secure a bargain for a player who still possesses enormous potential. Standing at 1.90 metres tall, Uche offers power, energy and tactical flexibility. Although naturally a central or defensive midfielder, he has also operated as a box-to-box midfielder, winger and even as a physical striker during his time in Spain.
Everton see him as a player capable of adding strength and depth to the middle of the pitch while also providing emergency attacking options. Financially, the deal also suits Everton because Getafe are now willing to negotiate below the original valuation.
Newcastle, meanwhile, admire his athleticism, tackling ability and physical intensity. The club’s involvement in domestic and European competitions means they want more squad depth, and Uche is viewed as a long-term development option with high upside.
Yet there is a major difference between the two projects. At Everton, Uche would likely have a clearer route into the starting team after months of limited opportunities at Selhurst Park. Newcastle can offer bigger wages and stronger sporting ambitions, but competition for places at St James’ Park could leave him facing another difficult battle for regular football.
Christantus Uche: Premier League dream remains alive
Although clubs such as Atlético Madrid and Real Betis monitored Uche during his impressive breakthrough campaign in Spain, the Nigeria international is believed to still prefer a long-term career in England. That preference has strengthened the hands of Everton, Newcastle and even Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves were previously close to signing him after reportedly agreeing a €20 million fee with Getafe before Crystal Palace hijacked the deal late in the transfer window. Interest from Chelsea, AC Milan, Aston Villa and Brentford has also remained strong because of his versatility and physical profile.
But beyond the transfer story, Uche is also trying to rebuild his international career with Nigeria's Super Eagles.
His lack of game time at Crystal Palace badly affected his standing with the Super Eagles coaching staff. Uche was initially included in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but coach Eric Chelle later left him out of the final list for Morocco.
The former Ceuta man is also set to miss Nigeria's first six games of 2006. Having been overlooked for the games against Iraq and Jordan, Uche has also not been included in the squads for the Unity Cup this month and the friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June.
With Nigeria scheduled to begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying series in September, Uche will be keen to sort his club issues this summer.
The Super Eagles claimed bronze medal at the AFCON in Morocco and are already among the favourites to reach the next edition to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
