“It’s clear” – Official quizzed on Crystal Palace’s plans to buy player

Last September, Crystal Palace signed Christantus Uche from Getafe on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. 

The Nigeria international had joined the La Liga side from AD Ceuta FC in 2024.

Ceuta president Luhay Hamido confirmed in September that Crystal Palace have to make his stay permanent if he makes 10 starts.

However, Oliver Glasner hasn’t regularly utilised the striker this season and handed him only 478 minutes from 22 matches in all competitions, resulting in two goals and an assist.

This includes three starts, of which two were in the UEFA Conference League and another in the FA Cup. This allows the Eagles to either buy him or send him back to his parent club.

On April 30th, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Crystal Palace have decided not to extend his stay.

The purchase obligation was around €20m and Getafe saw his exit as a sale to balance their books. However, his return would create a problem for their salary cap.

Getafe preparing for Crystal Palace man’s return

DAZN in Spain spoke to Getafe sporting director Toni Muñoz about a few topics and Marca have relayed his comments.

They asked the official whether Crystal Palace have communicated anything on Christantus Uche.

He said: “It’s taken for granted because the player hasn’t met his objective [of matches] and it’s clear that he’s coming back.”

Although the Premier League side haven’t had the final say, Getafe are taking the 22-year-old’s return for granted.

What next for striker and Crystal Palace

Muñoz and Getafe president Ángel Torres have to find a solution for the Nigerian after this season.

Two months ago, Torres said the frontman has offers to leave again in the next window.

“He has offers from other countries, not the Premier League, and he has to decide. Either that, or he returns; he has three years left on his contract,” Torres explained.

“I’d be delighted if he came back if we can’t sell him, but if we don’t sell him, we’ll have to sell others.”

Transfermarkt value Uche, who has a contract at Getafe until 2028, at €15m. The Spanish club would be looking to sell him for over €9m to sort out the salary cap problem.

Crystal Palace, for their part, are already looking at options in the market. On Monday, Sport Witness relayed news of their interest in AJ Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko.