Crystal Palace have signed a fascinating footballer in Christantus Uche.
The Nigeria international was playing amateur football in his hometown, Owerri, as recently as 2022 before Spanish outfit Moralo offered him a contract.
Uche was in La Liga up against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid just two years later – sealing a move to Getafe in June 2024 – while playing in several different positions along the way, ranging from defensive midfield to striker.
Position Games Goals Assists
Striker 21 4 4
Central Midfield 16 0 0
Defensive Midfield 15 0 2
Attacking Midfield 13 0 3
Second Striker 3 0 0
Left Winger 1 0 1
Left Midfield 1 1 0
(Transfermarkt)
Therefore, many Crystal Palace fans have been left wondering where the £17m deadline day signing will actually play – Oliver Glasner has now revealed the answer.
Oliver Glasner sees Christantus Uche as a No.10
The Austrian has now admitted that he sees Uche playing in an attacking midfield role for Crystal Palace.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash against Sunderland, Glasner is quoted by the News Shopper as saying: “I think he can play all three attacking positions. I spoke to him and he feels most comfortable in a ten position, which is also where we see him because we have JP (Mateta) and Eddie Nketiah as our number nines.
“We were looking for a physical player who can play from the ten. It’s a little bit similar to Ismaila Sarr, who could play nine but is a little bit better when he has the game in front of him and can attack the space. This is what we can see with Uche as well.
“It took a little bit of time with Ismaila and it will with Uche. He gets the time but then he will show up for us.”
As the table up above showed, Uche is yet to score a goal in his 13 appearances as an attacking midfielder, with only three assists to show for his efforts.
In fairness to the 22-year-old, it must be difficult to be moved around so often, making it tough for him to master one role.
However, with a top coach in Glasner now working alongside him, who has already identified a clear position for the Nigerian, those numbers could improve significantly at Selhurst Park, surrounded by better players as well – with all due respect to Getafe.
£17m deal could prove to be a stroke of genius
Uche’s arrival somewhat went under the radar as all eyes were on Marc Guehi and Liverpool during transfer deadline day.
However, we feel it could prove to be inspired business.
Uche – who is in the squad to face Sunderland – is already a full international for Nigeria, has plenty of time to improve at the age of just 22, and his immense versatility means he can cover several positions for Glasner.
For just £17m – a bargain of a fee in modern football – this could prove to be fantastic business.