Crystal Palace have fast-tracked their latest recruit onto the grand stage Christantus Uche has been officially included in the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League squad for the 2025/26 season.
Fresh off a transfer deadline-day switch from La Liga’s Getafe, the 22-year-old Nigerian international joins the Eagles on loan and sports the number 12 jersey. He’s been named on List A, which features the 25-man core squad for Palace’s maiden European campaign.
Uche is poised to make his European debut when Palace kick off their Conference League group-stage run against Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday, 2 October.
Born in Owerri, Nigeria, Uche’s journey to Europe began with amateur football before a swift climb through Moralo CP and AD Ceuta earned him a move to Getafe, where he secured a four-year contract and impressed in La Liga. During his first top-flight season, he tallied a respectable 4 goals and 7 assists in all competitions.
Transfer market drama back at Getafe—partly due to Uche’s departure blocking registrations for other players—set the stage for his move to London. Palace ultimately secured him in a major swoop, rumored at around €20 million (£17.3m), highlighting their intent in midfield. On 1 September 2025, Uche penned a loan deal with an obligation to buy, joining Walter Benítez, Borna Sosa, Yeremy Pino, and Jaydee Canvot as summer arrivals. A beaming Uche described the move as “unbelievable,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to develop at a club of Palace’s standing.
The Super Eagles hopeful is also currently away with Nigeria’s national team, adding further momentum to his growing reputation
