Leeds United had a difficult transfer last summer, and the effects of it are still being felt ahead of the January transfer window. They missed out on several top targets, but they would be glad to miss out on at least one of the players they were keen to bring in during the last window.
The Whites maxed out their PSR spending by forking out more than £100m on 10 new players. However, it was clear that they were short of attackers and the club want to bring in forwards in the winter window.
Leeds did try to bring in forwards towards the end of the season, and the deadline day failure to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson was widely publicised.
The Whites also looked at other forwards, and Christantus Uche was seen as a potential versatile option in the forward line. However, he opted to join Crystal Palace on loan on deadline day.
Christantus Uche rejected Leeds, but now faces a January transfer window exit from Palace
Uche was in demand after a solid season at Getafe, and several Premier League clubs made a play for him towards the end of the summer transfer window.
| Competition | Matches 🏟️ | Goals ⚽ | Assists 🎯 | Minutes ⏱️ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔴 LaLiga | 33 | 4 | 6 | 2,504 |
| 🟣 Copa del Rey | 5 | – | 1 | 340 |
| Total 24/25 | 38 | 4 | 7 | 2,844 |
Leeds were in active talks to sign him, but he opted to move to Crystal Palace after Getafe made it clear that he needed his departure for financial reasons.
However, the Nigerian has struggled to settle in England and has so far failed to earn the trust of manager Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.
He was touted as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal in the summer. However, Uche has barely made it to the pitch this season.
Uche has played a combined eight minutes of Premier League football across three substitute appearances since arriving at Palace and is firmly on the fringes of the first-team squad at Palace.
| Competition | Games 🏟️ | Goals ⚽ | Assists 🎯 | Minutes ⏱️ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 👑 Premier League | 3 | – | – | 8 |
| 🏆 Conference League | 2 | – | – | 7 |
| ☕ EFL Cup | 2 | – | – | 52 |
| Total (Selected) | 7 | – | – | 67 |
According to journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, all parties are looking for a solution to get the forward out of Palace in the winter transfer window.
The move has not worked out, and Palace are keen to cut their losses and let him move on in January.
Uche’s options in January are limited
Even the forward is said to be keen to leave Palace in January, as it seems unlikely that he will ever force his way into Glasner’s plans this season.
However, his options are limited as if Crystal Palace decide to terminate the loan agreement, he has no option but to return to Getafe for the latter half of the season.
Uche has already played for Getafe and Palace this season, and cannot represent a third club in the same campaign.
His exit from Palace will now hinge on Getafe agreeing to take him back for the second half of the campaign.
The 22-year-old was a key player for the Spanish club, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to welcome him back next year.
It is unclear whether things would have turned out differently had he joined Leeds. But there is a feeling that he is not ready for the intensity of the Premier League.
Leeds got LUCKY with the rejection – dodged a bullet