One in, one out: Uche joins Crystal Palace on loan as Umeh departs for Portsmouth

2025 Emirates FA Cup winners Crystal Palace have pulled off a massive transfer coup with the capture of Nigeria international Christantus Uche.

The Eagles confirmed via their official website that the versatile Getafe midfielder has agreed a one-year loan deal in South London and will wear No. 12 for the Eagles.

The likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland were interested in Uche before he agreed terms with Palace, where he has been allocated the number 12 kit.

Uche has joined Crystal Palace after an impressive debut season with Getafe, where he tallied four goals and seven assists in 38 appearances. 

The 22-year-old, who previously played for Moralo CP and AD Ceuta, becomes Palace's fifth summer signing following Walter Benítez, Borna Sosa, Yeremy Pino and Jaydee Canvot.

Meanwhile, another player of Nigerian descent, Franco Umeh has completed a permanent switch to EFL club Portsmouth.

The Republic of Ireland U21 forward, who joined Palace from Cork City in February 2023, featured in 15 senior matchday squads for Crystal Palace, but did not debut for the first team.

He scored 17 goals in 49 appearances for the development squad, including the decisive strike in the 2024 Premier League International Cup final at Selhurst Park.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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