Getafe coach Jose Bordalás has voiced his frustration as Nigerian forward Christantus Uche edges closer to a €20m move to Premier League side Wolves.
Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted their bid on Sunday, with Getafe reluctantly accepting due to strict La Liga financial rules.
The Madrid club had struggled to even register players for their opening match of the season, and the funds from Uche’s sale will now allow them to balance their books and bring in reinforcements.
Despite the financial boost, the move has angered Bordalás, who described Uche as “a vital player” for his side.
“I am against Uche leaving, he is extremely important,” the coach said. “If he leaves, we’ll have a huge problem. We cannot be at the mercy of this.”
Club president Ángel Torres admitted his hands were tied, telling reporters before Getafe’s 2-1 win over Sevilla: “We’re not in favour of selling the best players, but La Liga rules force us to comply.”
Uche, 22, joined Getafe last summer from AD Cueta for just €550,000, initially as a defensive midfielder before being converted into an attacking role.
His form since then has lifted his value, with Wolves’ €20m bid sitting just below his €25m release clause.
Uche has been capped twice by the Super Eagles during the Unity Cup in London. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Uche was part of the team to beat Sevilla 2-1 in LaLiga in the Week 2 of the Spanish top-flight league at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Monday night.
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Last season, he managed four goals and six assists in 33 La Liga appearances, playing a key role in helping Getafe avoid relegation.
The move will also be transformative for the player personally. Uche earns around €90,000 a year at Getafe, but a Premier League contract is expected to hand him a major financial upgrade.
Uche has been a revelation in Spain. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Spanish outlet AS reports the forward is happy in Madrid, though his agent linked to Wolves’ part-owner Jorge Mendes has been instrumental in pushing the deal forward, with Mendes set to receive a significant commission.
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Uche is expected to undergo medicals before completing the transfer, which would be the biggest of his career so far.
