Super Eagles forward Christantus Uche faces an uncertain future heading into the summer transfer window after a difficult season at Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The versatile midfielder moved to the English top-flight league last summer from Spanish club Getafe on an initial loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent if certain factors are met by the end of the season.
While he was tipped to become one of Nigeria’s big stars in the Premier League after previously impressing in Spain, the move has not gone as planned, with Uche falling out with Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner recently.
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The 23-year-old has played only 159 minutes in the Premier League this season and despite playing a major role for the Eagles in the UEFA Conference League group phase, where he scored twice for them, he was eventually left out of the squad for the knockout rounds.
The Nigerian playmaker has not played for Crystal Palace since March and is now set to return to Getafe at the end of the season, leaving his future hanging in the balance heading into the transfer window.
Here are five clubs he could join as he looks to revive his career after a tough season.
AC Milan (Italy)
Italian heavyweights AC Milan have previously expressed their intent to sign versatile Nigerian attacker Christantus Uche and could return with an improved offer for Getafe at the end of the season.
The Rossoneri are expected to enter a period of rebuild in the summer as they prepare for a potential return to the UEFA Champions League and also as they look to challenge city rivals Inter Milan for the league title and Uche’s versatility makes him a good addition to the squad, given he can play in the midfield and also in a more attacking role on the pitch.
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Newcastle United (England)
Premier League side Newcastle United are another club that could make a move for Christantus Uche in the summer as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the coming season.
The Magpies are likely to lose several players of their team to other top clubs, which would free up spaces for new additions, especially with Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali close to exits from the club.
The 23-year-old’s physicality and pace also makes him a perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s counter attacking style of play and he also has previous experience playing in the league with the little minutes he gained at Crystal Palace.
Everton (England)
Everton are another Premier League team that have previously expressed desire to sign Christantus Uche and could revive their pursuit of the Super Eagles star ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Toffees are likely to miss out on European football this season, but would be hoping to compete once again next season and adding Uche would be a massive boost to the squad, given the qualities of the Nigerian midfielder.
Wolves (England)
Christantus Uche was close to joining Wolverhampton Wolves last summer, but the move eventually collapsed due to differences in valuation before he later ended up at Crystal Palace.
The West Midlands club have since suffered relegation from the English top flight, but they are expected to push for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Uche is viewed as a strong addition to the squad, while the presence of fellow Nigerian Tolu Arokodare could also help him settle quickly at the club.
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Getafe (Spain)
Although Christantus Uche has been linked with a move away when he returns to Getafe at the end of the season, the Spanish side are also open to keeping him given his impressive performances for the club in the past.
Getafe are currently in the race for European qualification and securing a continental spot would provide a significant boost that would ease their financial difficulties and improve their chances of making Uche’s stay at the club permanent once again.
