Nigeria’s Christantus Uche has started training with Crystal Palace and could make his Premier League debut this weekend.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Eagles on transfer deadline day from Spanish club Getafe. He arrived on an initial loan deal, with the club set to buy him permanently for over €20 million.
Uche, fresh from his debut for the Super Eagles in their 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday night, flew straight to London and joined Palace training less than two days later.
He trained with his new teammates on Thursday, preparing for Saturday’s home match against newly promoted Sunderland at Selhurst Park. Palace manager Oliver Glasner is expected to include Uche in the matchday squad.
Last season, Uche was one of the top young players in Spain’s La Liga, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 33 games for Getafe. His strong performances attracted interest from other clubs, including Wolves, but Palace won the race to sign him.
Uche’s arrival comes at a good time for Crystal Palace. The club is unbeaten in its last nine Premier League matches (three wins, six draws) and hopes to extend that run to 10 — something they haven’t done since 1990.
Palace also have a strong record at home, going 11 matches unbeaten at Selhurst Park in all competitions. Against newly promoted teams, they have only lost once in 16 games — a 2-1 defeat to Luton Town in late 2023.
Saturday’s match will be the first time Sunderland face Palace in the Premier League since 2017, when they shocked the Eagles with a 4-0 win. Palace will be keen to avoid a repeat, and Uche’s energy in midfield could be key.
Fans may also see other summer signings, Yermy Pino and Jaydee Canvot, make their Premier League debuts — but much attention will be on Uche, the latest Nigerian talent aiming to shine in English football.