Uche returns to Getafe: the club legend targets his best form

Christantus Uche returns to Getafe training in Oliva

Getafe already has Christantus Uche back. The Nigerian winger, who wore the club’s blue jersey in 2024/25 and became a fan favorite, returned to training in Oliva on Wednesday during the team’s pre-season camp. After a tough spell at Crystal Palace -where the London side finished 14th in the Premier League- Uche is aiming to rediscover his best form with Getafe, who start the 2025/26 season in 7th place in La Liga with 51 points from 38 games (15W-6D-17L).

What happened with Uche’s return?

Uche joined Getafe two seasons ago from Spain’s 1st RFEF and in his first campaign he won over the Getafe faithful. His speed and dribbling made him one of LaLiga’s breakout stars in 2024/25, but financial constraints at the club led to his move to Crystal Palace in summer 2025. Now, with Getafe’s wage cap more relaxed, the Nigerian is targeting a return to prominence at a side that beat Osasuna 1-0 on May 23 in the final matchday of last season.

Why Uche’s return matters for Getafe

Uche’s return comes at a pivotal moment for Getafe. The club, which ended last season with 32 goals scored and 38 conceded (a -6 goal difference), needs reinforcements to compete in the mid-table. At 25, Uche brings attacking imbalance and LaLiga experience-qualities the coach can use in a side fighting to stay seventh. His spell at Crystal Palace wasn’t easy: the London club finished 23 points clear of relegation, yet Uche never locked down a starting role.

What’s next for Uche and Getafe?

Getafe’s pre-season in Oliva is focused on preparing for the start of 2025/26. Uche, who already wore the training kit on the Oliva beach, has two options: stay at the club if no offer satisfies both sides, or seek a move elsewhere. The team, which will face Monaco in a friendly on August 6, is chasing minutes and match sharpness before LaLiga kicks off. Meanwhile, the Nigerian made his joy clear on social media: “It’s a reunion with the Getafe family.”

Getafe, which ended last season 43 points behind Barcelona, needs players like Uche to close that gap and improve on last year’s 15 wins, 6 draws, and 17 losses. With a recent form of one win and one loss in its last two games, Bordalás’s side is targeting progress in 2025/26.