Premier League Opponents Join Leeds United In The Hunt For This Getafe Forward: What Should Farke Do? | OneFootball

If a recent report from El Larguero (as cited by The Leeds Press) is believed to be true, Crystal Palace have now entered the race as they are set to rival Leeds United for Christantus Uche. Wolves were also chasing the Getate attacker, but have now moved on due to the player’s wage demands.

The 22-year-old Nigerian international began his professional career in Spain with non-league club Moralo CP. AD Ceuta FC, the then-third-tier outfit, roped him in the summer of 2023, and his impressive spell in and around the attacking third earned him a high-profile €500,000 move to Getate in February 2024.

Despite Los Azulones’ willingness to sanction the transfer to free up funds and register players before Monday’s deadline, Uche opted not to ply his trade at Molineux, even though both clubs had reached an agreement over a €20m transfer. He has featured regularly for the La Liga side and scored and assisted once in three outings [stats via Transfermarket] so far this season while spearheading the attack.

Leeds United Must Snap Him Up To Bolster The Attack

Predominantly a ‘number 9’, Uche has showcased his flexibility as a second striker, ‘False 9’, advanced playmaker and left-sided attacker. The youngster has a very high ceiling, and the Premier League duo are actively pursuing a deal before his valuation goes sky-high in the near future.

GETAFE, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 10: Chrisantus Uche of Getafe CF is put under pressure by Arnau Martinez of Girona FC during the LaLiga match between Getafe CF and Girona FC at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on November 10, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Leeds United have bolstered the squad with ten first-team signings since securing a top-flight return by conquering the Championship title. But they are still in the market for attacking reinforcements, particularly in the ‘number 10’ role, having missed out on Facundo Buonanotte. Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as a transfer target; however, the rising Super Eagles sensation should better fit into the Whites’ setup due to his versatility and creative spark.

Why He Would Fit Well In Farke’s System

The Whites have roped in two Bosman centre-forwards in Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to challenge and cover Joe Piroe up top. But they have only scored once in three league games, that also from the spot when Nmecha netted late against Everton in the opening gameweek at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke has Brenden Aaronson, who was a regular in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign. But the Peacocks had a nightmare run, as they suffered relegation following a 19th-placed finish. The USMNT midfield attacker is no longer in the manager’s first-team plans, as he lost his starting status to summer signing Anton Stach.

Stach, primarily a ‘number 8’, has been asked to attune to an advanced role. Leeds, therefore, must benefit from having Uche, who would adapt well in Farke’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Having someone of his calibre should allow the German chief to tweak his strategy and system high up the pitch.