Christantus Uche Considers Palace January Exit As Lack of Playing Time Threatens AFCON 2025 Prospects

Christantus Uche Considers Palace January Exit As Lack of Playing Time Threatens AFCON 2025 Prospects

By Admin 

Crystal Palace are reportedly open to allowing Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche to leave during the January transfer window after the 23-year-old endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League.

Uche joined Palace on loan from Spanish side Getafe last summer, with the deal including a €20 million obligation-to-buy clause that would automatically be activated once he made 10 Premier League appearances. With his involvement falling well short of that threshold, the option is unlikely to be triggered.

Limited Minutes at Palace

Since arriving at Selhurst Park, the midfielder has struggled for playing time. He has featured just seven times across all competitions—only three of those in the Premier League, all from the bench. In total, he has accumulated just 67 minutes of league action, leaving the player increasingly frustrated and seeking more consistent opportunities elsewhere.

National Team Ambitions at Risk

Uche’s lack of club football has had significant consequences for his international prospects. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle omitted him from the squad for the recent World Cup qualifying playoffs against Gabon and DR Congo, a setback that has placed his standing within the national team under scrutiny.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations drawing near, Uche’s hopes of securing a place in Nigeria’s final squad appear uncertain unless he secures regular playing time in the second half of the season.