Eagles consider sacking Nigerian midfielder

Crystal Palace are reportedly weighing up their options concerning Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche and are even considering terminating his loan, as the Nigerian midfielder has struggled to secure a place for himself in Oliver Glasner’s side. 

The Eagles signed Christantus Uche from Getafe in the summer on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation, which is triggered when the Nigeria international makes 10 starts for Palace. 

Palace negotiated a transfer fee in the region of €17m–€20m. Additionally, they paid Getafe a £3 million loan fee and placed the 22-year-old on a £45,000 weekly wage. 

However, the move has not gone to plan on the pitch. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has used Uche sparingly. He has only managed 67 minutes in all competitions this season, and only seven of those minutes came in the Premier League. He has also yet to start a single game for the first team, with his only start in a Palace jersey coming when he was sent down to the U-21s. 

The writing on the wall is clear: Glasner currently regards him as surplus to requirements. Also, the lack of game time means the clause looks unlikely to trigger naturally; hence, Palace are reportedly preparing contingency discussions, including the possibility of terminating or engineering an early exit in January.

However, it is unlikely they will recoup any of the £3 million they paid from Getafe, as insolvency forced the Azulones into the sale. Also, they have no legal foothold, as there is no break clause included in the deal, according to Sky Sports. Palace are expected to hold a meeting with the player to discuss a solution in January if his situation does not improve.