Local News

Bellingham Replacement? Super Eagles Star Uche Targeted

Super Eagles new boy Christantus Uche enjoyed an impressive debut season with Getafe in the Spanish LaLiga, and that has put him on the watchlist of some clubs in the top five leagues, according to Soccernet.ng.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined Getafe from third-tier Spanish club Ceuta last summer, and he quickly grew became an important player for the club last season.

Uche contributed four goals and six assists in 33 appearances for Los Azulones. His combination of power, technicality, and sharp ball sense have been key aspects of his game.

Urko Gonzalez Espanyol and Christantus Uche Getafe CF battle for the ball during the La Liga EA Sports between Espanyol and Getafe CF at RCDE Stadium

His performances have attracted La Liga established clubs like Chelsea, West Ham, and Brentford. Spanish LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid also seem to be interested in him.

There have been speculations of interest from newly-promoted Premier League club Leeds United. Now, in a new development, per Ontheminute, Sunderland are also interested in Uche.

The speculations linking Sunderland to Uche are not surprising, as the Black Cats are set to lose their star midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

The Englishman is set to follow the path of his older brother Jude Bellingham, who moved to the Bundesliga from England and then proceeded to join Real Madrid.

Is it time for Christantus Uche to leave Getafe?
Christantus Uche is the darling of a lot of clubs right now, and that makes this summer very important for him.

He has to decide whether to stay at Getafe and possibly continue to grow or leave to get more money by joining a bigger team elsewhere.

With the quality of clubs trying to get Uche, it is unlikely that he will consider Sunderland, as they just returned to the Premier League and are at risk of getting relegated next season.

Uche is priced at €20-€25 million, which makes him an affordable buy for most of his suitors. He is still young and can afford to spend one more season at Getafe.

It remains to be seen what the former Ceuta man will do this summer.

Lucky Maurice

Recent Posts

ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF

  The Nigeria Football Federation, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences…

8 hours ago

14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie

  Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has opened a window on the approach the…

8 hours ago

Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta

    The Lagos football community is agog for the maiden edition of Tonic Cup,…

9 hours ago

**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have…

10 hours ago

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan Liverpool…

11 hours ago

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will 'put Lionel…

17 hours ago