Chelsea tipped to break UNEXPECTED transfer record

Cameron Smith

• 16 Dec 2024 09:30 GMT
• 5 min read

Chelsea are interested in triggering the €25 million release clause in Christantus Uche‘s contract at Getafe, according to reports in Spain.

Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with the 21-year-old for several months and they remain eager to bring him to Stamford Bridge following his impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign.

Uche joined Getafe from third tier Spanish side AD Ceuta in July and he has racked up 17 La Liga appearances so far this season, although he hasn’t found the back of the net since netting the equaliser against Athletic Club on his debut for the club.

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The versatile Nigerian, who is capable of playing in central midfield or as a striker, has attracted significant attention from Chelsea, and the west London giants are interested in activating his €25m release clause, as per Fichajes.

Uche’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at just over €6m, however Getafe are eager to maximise any potential fee they could receive for the 21-year-old and are reportedly reluctant to facilitate a sale unless they are “adequately compensated.”

If Chelsea decide to trigger Uche’s €25m release clause, he would become the most expensive sale in Getafe’s history. Marc Cucurella currently holds that record, due to his €18m move to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021, while Enes Unal (€16.5m to Bournemouth in 2024) is the second-biggest departure.

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Chelsea’s January transfer plans

While Chelsea are monitoring Uche’s situation at Getafe, the Blues are expected to see more players depart than arrive during the January transfer window.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei will all be allowed to leave the club on loan, as per reports, while Ben Chilwell is set to leave Stamford Bridge following his lack of involvement under Enzo Maresca.

Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have also been linked with an exit, although Wesley Fofana’s injury record means they could be forced to remain in west London.