Although Leeds United failed to provide Daniel Farke with the full breadth of options he wanted in attack, the Whites’ boss may be relieved they did not complete a deal for Christantus Uche.
In the desperate final hours of the summer transfer window, Leeds were linked with a host of options in attack, including a deal for Getafe’s Christantus Uche.
Uche was part of a dramatic saga in the transfer window, as Getafe attempted to sell the forward to allow them to register their new signings, while the player resisted a move, with a proposed switch to Wolves falling through.
In the end, Leeds were pipped to a deal for Uche by Crystal Palace, with the Nigerian midfielder making a loan switch to the Premier League on an initial loan deal.
However, the stats from Crystal Palace’s season to date show that Daniel Farke appears to have dodged a bullet on the deal, with the former La Liga man struggling to make an impact in London.
Christantus Uche in action during Crystal Palace FC v AEK Larnaca FC - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Stats show Leeds United dodged Christantus Uche bullet
Speaking in the Crystal Palace statement announcing Uche’s arrival, the club’s chairman, Steve Parish, announced his delight at signing “an exciting young talent, who is also a full international.”
However, 10 games into the Premier League season, Uche has failed to make any contribution of note to the high-flying Eagles, who currently occupy ninth place.
According to the data from FotMob, Uche has played just seven minutes for Palace so far this season, with his solitary shot coming in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland in September.
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Christantus Uche in the Premier League:
Matches: 3
Minutes Played: 8
Total Shots: 1
Chances Created: 0
Expected Goals: 0.01
Uche didn’t fare much better on his two appearances in the EFL Cup, playing 45 minutes in the tie against Millwall, earning a rating of 6.6 and playing just seven minutes in the win over Liverpool.
The nadir of Uche’s time at Palace so far came in a National League Cup game for the under-21s as Palace fell to a 5-2 defeat against Stevenage, with Uche taking just 22 touches in 45 minutes and being dispossessed three times.
Although Leeds’ attack looked toothless in defeat against Brighton, Farke will surely be relieved that the club are not tied to purchasing Uche, with Palace agreeing a £17 million option to complete a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Christantus Uche in action during RC Celta de Vigo v Getafe CF - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Uche’s departure left Getafe short in attack, leading to them being linked with a move for Patrick Bamford.
However, it now appears that the winger could make an earlier than planned return to La Liga, following his slow start to life with Palace.
According to Diario AS, although it was initially reported that Crystal Palace have an obligation to buy the winger, that clause only kicks in if he starts 10 times or more this season.
With Uche struggling for game time at Selhurst Park, it appears likely that the one-time Leeds target could end up back in Spain again next season.