Palace beat Aston Villa and Sunderland to Nigerian defender-turned-midfielder-turned-forward

Crystal Palace are on the brink of announcing the signing of versatile Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche, in what promises to be one of the standout moves involving a Nigerian player this summer. 

According to Sky Sports News, Palace have beaten off competition from several Premier League rivals, including Aston Villa and Sunderland, to secure the highly rated midfielder. 

Uche had been strongly linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the window, but a proposed switch fell through last week.

Palace and Getafe have now reached a club-to-club agreement, with the Spanish side consenting to terminate Uche's contract three years ahead of schedule in exchange for a €20 million fee. 

The 22-year-old has already arrived at the club's training ground to undergo his medical, paving the way for his official unveiling.

Uche has enjoyed a remarkable rise since his arrival in Spain three years ago as a central defender. 

He was later converted into a holding midfielder before being deployed primarily as a centre forward at Getafe, a transformation that has underlined his adaptability.

With Eberechi Eze completing a transfer to Arsenal, Palace identified Uche as a priority target in the final days of the window. 

Uche is now poised to link up with Oliver Glasner's squad, though he faces a race against time to report for international duty in Uyo ahead of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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