Uche hints at Palace unhappiness

Christantus Uche

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Nigeria forward Christantus Uche has issued an emotional public message which hints at unhappiness following a frustrating first half of the season at Crystal Palace, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 22-year-old arrived at Selhurst Park on deadline day after a bright start with Getafe, where he registered one goal and one assist in just three La Liga appearances. The move to Palace came with a conditional obligation to buy set at €20m if Uche reached a required number of starts.

But instead of becoming a Premier League breakthrough act, the forward has found himself struggling for minutes under Oliver Glasner. Deep into December, Uche has managed only one start in nine appearances across all competitions, totalling just 124 minutes.

It is a sharp contrast to the expectation created after his Super Eagles debut in June and a strong breakthrough campaign in Spain last term.

Uche has been listed in Nigeria’s 55-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, but his diminishing playing time places his spot in the final 28-man list in serious jeopardy.

The young attacker took to Instagram on Thursday night to voice his frustration, saying, “It hurts when you go through something that kills you inside, but you have to act like it doesn’t bother you at all. Keep believing & Faith in all things you do.”

Confusion also surrounds Uche’s long-term club future, with both Getafe and Crystal Palace offering mixed signals on the conditions of his loan.

Reports in England and Spain suggest Palace may no longer intend to activate the €20m clause, particularly with Glasner believed to have decided Uche is not central to his plans.

Meanwhile, Uche’s options for January remain restricted by FIFA regulations, which prevent players from appearing for more than two clubs in a single season. Having already featured for both Getafe and Crystal Palace, he cannot register competitive minutes for any new team until next summer. His only possible mid-season exit is a return to Getafe, provided the loan deal contains a break clause.

For now, Uche remains stuck between stalled minutes in England, a blocked transfer window, and dwindling AFCON hopes. His immediate future may hinge on whether Palace decide to use him more regularly, or whether a January return to Spain becomes a necessity rather than an option.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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