Chrisantus Uche’s big move to the Premier League should have been a moment of celebration, but instead, the Super Eagles striker has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy.

The 22-year-old Nigerian completed a season-long loan switch to Crystal Palace just before the transfer window closed, with the deal reportedly worth around €20 million. 

His arrival in England was supposed to mark a new chapter in his career, but his farewell note to Getafe fans has quickly overshadowed the excitement.

Uche’s goodbye message, posted on Instagram, carried all the right emotions, gratitude, reflection, and respect for his former club. But keen-eyed football fans soon pointed out that the exact same words had been used only days earlier by Portuguese striker Fabio Silva when he left Wolves for Borussia Dortmund. 

Screenshots comparing both messages spread across social media, sparking accusations that Uche had simply “copy-pasted” the tribute.

The backlash was swift, with some fans questioning the authenticity of his farewell and others joking that he “borrowed” emotions that weren’t his. For many, it turned what should have been a heartfelt send-off into an online spectacle.

The drama comes after a turbulent transfer period for Uche. He was initially close to joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, with talks reportedly involving super-agent Jorge Mendes. 

However, disagreements over salary and commission meant the deal collapsed, leaving Crystal Palace to swoop in.

Despite the noise, Uche’s football journey remains impressive. Since joining Getafe in 2024, he reinvented himself, switching roles from defense to midfield before finding success as a striker. 

His growth earned him respect in Spain, and it was expected that his goodbye would carry a personal touch which is why the copied message has left many fans disappointed.