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Crystal Palace to make move that will favour Christantus Uche, as Glasner makes big decision - Report

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Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner has reportedly informed the club that he will depart at the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Glasner took over at Selhurst Park last year following the departure of English icon Roy Hodgson. Since his appointment, his tenure has been sensational.

The 51-year-old Austrian guided the team to their first-ever FA Cup triumph last season, defeating Manchester City in the final. He also led them to the Community Shield at the start of the current campaign.

Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner (Photo credit: X)

​The Eagles have performed very well under Glasner’s tutelage, leading to links with several top clubs in England and abroad.

There were reports in the summer that he already wanted to leave the London-based club, due to their lack of activity in the transfer market.

​Now, according to reports from The Touchline, Glasner has formally informed the Crystal Palace hierarchy of his intention to leave at the season’s conclusion.

Although he originally signed a two-year deal set to run until the end of the 2026 campaign, which included a one-year extension clause, Glasner has told the club that he will not activate the extension.

​Crystal Palace Identifies Glasner’s Replacement

​According to The Touchline, Crystal Palace have identified Getafe coach José Bordalás as Oliver Glasner’s potential replacement.

Jose Bordalas L, head coach of Getafe CF, hugs Diego Pablo Simeone R, head coach of Atletico de Madrid
Jose Bordalas L, head coach of Getafe CF, hugs Diego Pablo Simeone R, head coach of Atletico de Madrid (Photo credit: Imago)

​The 61-year-old Spanish tactician has been in charge at Getafe for the past two years and has been impressive. Despite the club’s meagre spending, Bordalás has managed to keep them afloat in La Liga.

​His contract at Getafe expires at the end of the current campaign, and he has not yet signed an extension. As such, Crystal Palace would not have to pay a transfer fee to acquire his services.

​Christantus Uche: The Biggest Beneficiary

​Christantus Uche joined Crystal Palace from Getafe last summer on a loan deal that included an obligation-to-buy clause. The Spanish club was forced to sell Uche, who was their biggest asset.

Christantus Uche reacts to his team loss after the Everton vs Crystal Palace Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Christantus Uche reacts to his team loss after the Everton vs Crystal Palace Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. Picture credit: ImagoxGareth Evans

​However, things have not panned out as the Super Eagles star would have hoped. Coach Glasner has severely limited Uche’s minutes, giving him just one start across all competitions so far.

Consequently, there have been reports that he might leave the Eagles at the end of his loan spell. Moreso, a clause in his contract requires Uche to make 10 starts to trigger the permanent deal.

​If Bordalás were to move to Palace, he would likely want Uche to join him. The two worked together at Getafe and share a very close relationship. In fact, Bordalás did not want Uche to leave in the summer.

Christantus Uche 12, Eddie Nketiah 9 and Jaydee Canvot 22 during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park
Christantus Uche 12, Eddie Nketiah 9 and Jaydee Canvot 22 during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park. Copyright: ImagoxStephenxFlynnx

​The Spanish tactician would therefore almost certainly insist to Palace that Uche be kept. Given their bond, Uche would surely thrive under Bordalás’ management.

​Nonetheless, the summer transfer window is still distant, and Glasner could still change his mind about leaving. Also, Bordalás’ potential appointment will be contingent on how he finishes the campaign with Getafe.

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