Getafe coach José Bordalás has admitted that he is very fond Christantus Uche amid speculation that the Super Eagles star could return to the club soon, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Bordalás gave Uche his first shot at top-tier European football last season, following his transfer from third-tier club Ceuta.

The Super Eagles star needed very little time to become a regular for Los Azulones, and even went on to become one of the best players at the club.

​Before Uche left for Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, Bordalás expressed his frustration at the situation. But he could not do anything about it due to Getafe’s difficult financial situation.

​Unfortunately for Uche, the transfer has not worked out as he had hoped. He has been used sparingly by coach Oliver Glasner and is yet to start a league game, even though the campaign is already at its midway point.

​Due to his lack of game time, there has been much speculation that Uche is unhappy and willing to return to Spain.

​Getafe coach Bordalás was asked about the situation with the Super Eagles star ahead of their game against Atlético Madrid on Sunday, and he gave a coy response.

“No, I’m not going to comment on a player who isn’t with us, who isn’t wearing the Getafe shirt , and even less so on Uche, whom I’m very fond of,” Bordalás said, per Estadio Deportivo.

“Right now, we’re focused on the squad we have, on the match we have the day after tomorrow against Atlético, and we’ll see what the future holds.”

Will Christantus Uche Leave Crystal Palace?

As it stands, it is very difficult to pinpoint if Christantus Uche will leave Crystal Palace in January or next summer.

It is important to note that the 22-year-old midfielder joined the Eagles on a season-long loan deal with a conditional obligation-to-buy clause. This clause would be activated if he starts 10 games for Crystal Palace.

​However, it does not seem likely that this condition will be met unless coach Oliver Glasner has a remarkably quick change of heart and starts giving Uche consistent minutes.

Nonetheless, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is in December, which means that Ismaila Sarr, who occupies one of the attacking positions, will be leaving for international duty.

While it does not seem likely that Uche will be called up by Nigeria due to his lack of game time and the current preferences of coach Eric Chelle, this period could still be a potential turning point in his stay at Palace.

The Super Eagles star will be hoping for more opportunities at Selhurst Park during this time.