Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has acknowledged that the club took a significant gamble when they signed Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche from third-tier Spanish side Ceuta, but insists the decision has paid off after an encouraging debut season in La Liga.
Uche, who joined Getafe from the Primera Federación, made 32 league appearances during the 2024–25 campaign, scoring four goals and registering five assists.
His transition from the lower divisions of Spanish football to the top flight was far from conventional, but Bordalas believes the 22-year-old’s impact was instrumental in the club’s overall progress this season.
Speaking to Infobiwenger, Bordalas admitted that recruiting Uche was a calculated risk. “It was a bold move to bring him in, and we were aware of the potential challenges,” he said. “But the truth is, he gave us a lot.
His development throughout the season has been impressive, and his contribution on the pitch was clear.”
Despite bypassing the traditional developmental stages that most professional players go through, Uche adapted quickly to the demands of top-tier football.
Bordalas praised the player’s commitment and character, highlighting the bond that has formed between Uche and the squad.
“He’s a great lad, and we have a lot of affection for him,” the coach continued. “All players need time to grow, and in his case, the jump to professional football was a steep one.
There were moments where it wasn’t easy for him, but he handled it with maturity.”
The Getafe boss also acknowledged that while Uche’s season was a success, there remains untapped potential in the player’s game.
“We supported him as much as we could, and in turn, he gave back with his performances. There’s still room for improvement, of course, but he’s had a fantastic year and proven that he can play at this level.”
Uche’s emergence has been one of the more notable stories of Getafe’s season, with the midfielder offering creativity, work rate and a surprising level of composure for a player with limited professional experience prior to his arrival.
His ability to influence games from midfield and contribute both goals and assists has added a new dimension to the side.
Bordalas’s remarks reflect both satisfaction with the player’s development and a cautious optimism about his future.
While Getafe will likely be looking to strengthen their squad over the summer, Uche’s performances have ensured he will remain a key part of the club’s plans moving forward.
The coach’s admission of the risk involved in signing Uche underscores the unpredictable nature of football recruitment, but in this case, the reward has matched the gamble.
For Uche, the challenge now is to build on a promising first season and continue to grow in Spain’s top flight.
