Christantus Uche has made a brilliant start to life in La Liga with Getafe (Image: Getty)
Chelsea have reportedly enquired about La Liga youngster Christantus Uche just months after his bargain move to Getafe.
The 21-year-old has taken everyone by surprise this season, taking the step up from the Spanish third division in his stride and proving effective in a brand new position. Uche made his name as a midfielder but Getafe boss Jose Bordalas has deployed him just about everywhere this season, including as an out-and-out centre-forward.
Recruited from Nigeria as a teenager, Uche turned out for lower-league sides Moralo and Cueta before getting his big move. He was playing in the third tier of Spanish football last season when Getafe pulled the trigger on a deal worth just over £400,000, which was made official in June.
Only five months have passed and Chelsea already want a piece of the action. According to Relevo, the Blues have been following his progress this season and sent an enquiry to find out more about the possibility of a future transfer.
Uche signed a life-changing four-year contract upon joining Getafe but that deal is said to include an affordable release clause. The Nigerian is reportedly ‘loved’ by his team-mates and focused on continuing to progress in Spain, though Chelsea’s promise of long-term contracts has swayed plenty of other talented prospects.
Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both snubbed Liverpool for a move to Stamford Bridge last year. The Londoners also won competitive battles for Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian and Ecuadorian prodigy Kendry Paez.
Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are on the hunt for Chelsea’s next young star (Image: Getty)
Bordalas was full of praise for Uche after throwing him in at the deep end against Athletic Bilbao for the opening game of the season. Uche deputised up top due to a lack of options and scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
“I personally sent a request to the president last winter that we sign [Uche], and we are very happy because we think he has a lot of potential,” said the Spaniard.
“We have a lot of confidence in him. He has a very good attitude and his team-mates are helping him a lot.”
Chelsea’s squad is brimming with young talent and there have been signs of improvement under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues have fielded a younger starting XI than any other team for all eight of their Premier League games so far this term, and they currently sit sixth in the table.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1965406/chelsea-transfer-news-christantus-uche-getafe